Oct 26, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr (20) dribbles the ball against the Charlotte Hornets during the first quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Wizards' Future Hangs on Young Center

Originally posted on Washington Wizards on SI
By Tyrone Montgomery | Last updated Oct 29, 2025 7:00 AM ET

The Washington Wizards are a young, developing team searching for an identity, and in many ways, that identity begins and ends with Alex Sarr. Standing as the team’s biggest player both literally and figuratively, Sarr is the foundation on which the Wizards’ future success will be built. He is the highest drafted player currently on the roster as he was drafted with the number two overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His blend of size, skill, and versatility makes him the most important piece in Washington’s rebuilding puzzle.

Why Alex Sarr is the Key to the Wizards' Success

Last season, Sarr led the Wizards in rebounding, which was a crucial area for a roster that still lacks interior size and physicality. His ability to clean up the glass gives the team much-needed second chances on offense and stops opposing teams from getting easy points in transition. Rebounding is often about effort and positioning as much as athleticism, and Sarr’s instincts in tracking the ball make him the anchor of the Wizards’ frontcourt.

If the Wizards want to compete more consistently this season, they will once again need Sarr to control the boards and set the tone inside. Additionally, Sarr is already one of the league’s best shot blockers. He is the primary rim protector for the Wizards as they rely on him heavily in that role.

Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

Offensively, Sarr’s impact extends far beyond the paint. His combination of size and skill allows the Wizards to unlock a dynamic pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop game that few teams can defend. As the screener, he can roll hard to the rim for lobs and easy finishes, or fade to the perimeter and knock down midrange and even long-range jump shots. This versatility makes him nearly impossible to guard in space, forcing defenses to make tough decisions that often leave Washington’s shooters with open looks.

Even more impressive is Sarr’s court awareness in those situations. He has a keen sense for reading defenses and making the right pass, turning what might be a simple pick-and-roll into a scoring opportunity for his teammates. Surrounded by capable shooters who thrive on spacing and ball movement, Sarr’s decision-making and unselfish play could elevate the Wizards’ offensive flow to another level.

Outside of Kyshawn George, Sarr may be the most talented and skilled player on the roster, and arguably the one with the most upside. His two-way potential, ability to anchor the defense, and growing offensive arsenal give Washington a cornerstone to build around. For the Wizards to take the next step, they’ll need Alex Sarr to continue to be not just their biggest player, but their most impactful one.

This article first appeared on Washington Wizards on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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