East Notes: Wizards, Alex Sarr, Nets, Cavs, De’Andre Hunter

Wizards

The Wizards are banking on internal growth, starting with former No. 2 pick Alex Sarr.

Five scouts who spoke with Josh Robbins of The Athletic offered a mixed outlook on Sarr’s long-term ceiling. None projected him as the best or second-best player on a contender, but most agreed he could grow into a reliable starting center if his body and shot come along.

“He weighs less than some of the bigger wings starting in the NBA,” one evaluator told Robbins, noting Sarr’s need to bulk up. Another added, “I’d be surprised if he doesn’t take a big leap this year.”

That jump could start soon. Sarr told reporters he expects to play in Washington’s preseason opener Sunday against the Raptors, where he’ll face his brother, Olivier Sarr, for the first time in an organized game.

Nets

Nets owner Joe Tsai isn’t sugarcoating expectations.

“I have to say we’re in a rebuilding year,” Tsai said during a panel appearance on the All-In Podcast (via Brian Lewis of the New York Post). “We have one first-round pick in 2026, and we hope to get a good pick. You can predict what kind of strategy we’ll use.”

The league doesn’t love when owners hint at tanking, and Tsai’s comment might draw attention from the NBA office. But he’s not wrong about Brooklyn’s direction.

The Nets moved several veterans last season, added five rookies in June, and now boast what projects to be the youngest roster in the league.

Vegas has their over/under set at just 20.5 wins. For general manager Sean Marks, that’s part of the process. After back-to-back sub-.500 seasons, Brooklyn’s focus has shifted fully to development — not the standings.

Cavaliers

The Cavaliers will try again for their first preseason win Sunday in Boston.

Cleveland fell twice to the Bulls this week, but there have been encouraging signs. De’Andre Hunter has looked sharp as a fit alongside Evan Mobley, Jarrett Allen and Donovan Mitchell, scoring efficiently and defending well. Mobley, meanwhile, continues to expand his range and confidence.

Rookie Tyrese Proctor has flashed as an on-ball creator, and Craig Porter Jr. impressed early. Newcomers Lonzo Ball and Larry Nance Jr. are still finding their rhythm, but both have added a much-needed layer of playmaking and size to the rotation.

The Cavs close out preseason play Tuesday at home against Detroit before opening the regular season Oct. 22 in New York. Their home opener comes Oct. 26 against the Bucks.