Article by Will Peralta
Photo by Will Peralta
When the Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr with the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, expectations were high for the French big man. Billed as a modern stretch 5 with elite defensive tools and perimeter versatility, Sarr entered the league as one of the most intriguing long-term prospects. As his rookie campaign wrapped up, it became clear that while the foundation is promising, the road to stardom will require refinement—especially on the offensive end.
The Numbers: A Mixed Bag
In 67 games, Sarr posted averages of:
– 13.0 points
– 6.5 rebounds
– 2.4 assists
– 1.5 blocks
– 0.7 steals
– 2.2 fouls
His shooting splits—39.4% from the field, 30.8% from three, and 67.9% from the free throw line—led to a True Shooting percentage of just 48.2%, an unflattering figure for a center. This inefficiency, particularly around the rim, became one of the major storylines of his rookie year.
Flashes of Two-Way Potential
Despite the struggles with scoring efficiency, Sarr showcased his immense upside on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he was quick on his feet, switched seamlessly onto guards, and displayed a strong understanding of team schemes. He showed poise in pick-and-roll coverages and developed discipline over the season—early on, he bit on nearly every pump fake, but by midseason he learned to stay grounded, allowing him to stay on the floor longer and rack up meaningful minutes.
One particularly promising trait was his ball-handling and court vision. Sarr frequently pushed the ball in transition and even initiated fast breaks—a rare skill for someone his size. This hints at a versatile offensive future, even if the current results weren’t always pretty.
The Offensive Dilemma
The biggest red flag from Sarr’s rookie season was his scoring efficiency. A staggering 40% of his field goal attempts were from beyond the arc (5.1 out of 12.4 shots per game), suggesting a player either too confident in his jumper or hesitant to battle inside. His touch around the rim left a lot to be desired, and his tendency to avoid contact in favor of difficult fadeaways became a frustrating pattern for fans and coaches alike.
Part of the issue stemmed from his team’s inability to create easy looks for him. As the Wizards lacked a true floor general, Sarr was often left to create his own offense, which he isn’t yet equipped to do consistently. But it wasn’t all on the team—his lack of lower-body strength and fear of contact led to missed opportunities in the paint.
Learning From the Fire
Sarr’s rookie year wasn’t without growing pains. He struggled mightily against more physical centers like Bam Adebayo and Jaren Jackson Jr., who outmuscled him and exposed his underdeveloped frame. But these experiences seemed to fuel him. By the final stretch of the season, he showed greater confidence in his shot selection, better defensive instincts, and improved foul discipline.
Looking Ahead
There’s no doubt Alex Sarr has the tools to become a high-impact two-way player. At 7’1” with fluid mobility, he fits the mold of a modern NBA big—one who can protect the rim, switch onto guards, and space the floor. But to reach that potential, he’ll need to add strength, improve his finishing through contact, and fine-tune his three-point shot.
If he can do that, the Wizards may have a cornerstone piece on their hands.
Final Grade: B
Sarr’s rookie season won’t win him Rookie of the Year—he’ll likely finish 3rd or 4th in voting—but it did confirm his place in the league. With the right development and physical growth, Alex Sarr could blossom into the stretch 5 every team dreams of: a player who can defend 1 through 5, space the floor, and make plays off the dribble. For now, it’s a solid start—and Washington has every reason to be optimistic.
