The Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr with the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft and are excited about his future. The 19-year-old played professionally in Australia last season and has immense potential on both ends. Head coach Brian Keefe has a plan to develop their young talentsand the franchise thinks that Sarr can become a star.
The 2024 draft has been criticized for its lack of top-tier talent. There will be All-Stars and marquee players, but there has been no consensus on who. Some would even rank this class as one of the worst in recent memory, and the Wizards may have just selected the best pick of their rebuild.
ESPN surveyed 18 NBA personnel including coaches, executives and scouts for a predictions article (subscription required). They were asked who would win Rookie of the Year and the best player in this draft class. Although Sarr was the second pick, he received little praise in this poll.
The Wizards want to play Sarr in different positions and explore his skillset starting in Year 1. He should get plenty of playing time, but he only received two of 18 votes in the Rookie of the Year poll. Zach Edey led the way with eight votes, and Reed Sheppard finished second with five votes. Sarr finished third and was one of six rookies to receive votes.
Fans saw Sarr’s offensive struggles in Summer League. He may not produce monstrous numbers in his first year. The 6’3″ player will need time to develop his game against the best players in the world. He will struggle, especially early in the season. Expect Sarr to emerge as the season progresses, and his immense talent could surprise people.
The No. 2 overall pick has high potential, but no one has voted him the best player in this class in five years. Sarr’s new teammate Bub Carrington got one vote. Reed Sheppard led the way with eight votes, and Stephon Castle finished second.
The Wizards want to develop Sarr into a three-level scorer, and his defense is already solid. The teenager can protect the basket and pass on the perimeter. He’ll wreak havoc on defense if he reaches his ceiling. Can he become a consistent shooter and a top-tier scorer? It’s possible, but the odds seem unlikely. The franchise loves him, and Sarr has a lot to develop. Don’t write him off.
Alex Sarr has a lot of work to do, and it starts in training camp. He could prove everyone wrong and become the best player in the 2024 draft. The potential is there, and it’s up to the seven-footer to make it happen.
