Wizards’ Alex Sarr Says He’s Finding NBA Stride: ‘Defense Is Something I’m Always Going To Bring’

July 16, 2024

Washington Wizards rookie big man Alex Sarr admittedly is still adjusting to the U.S. and the NBA style of game. And this is just summer league.

But without a doubt, Sarr’s potential can already be viewed in Las Vegas. He’s long, athletic and skilled. He hasn’t been overly consistent, but he is showing all the tools and versatility that had people drooling over his upside prior to the 2024 NBA Draft. Sarr was selected only behind No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher of the Atlanta Hawks.

“I’m getting used to the NBA game out there and trying new things,” Sarr said in an exclusive interview with Mark Medina of Sportskeeda. “I’m trying to be impactful the most that I can. My defense is something that I’m always going to bring, no matter what happens offensively.”

Anyone who has seen Sarr knows that he speaks the truth. He is athletic and rangy enough to alter shots at the NBA level right away. Offensively, his is likely to be a little up and down as a first-year player.

But thanks to some offseason moves, the Wizards can afford to be patient and allow Sarr to develop at his own pace. For starters, they landed center Jonas Valanciunas in free agency, giving Sarr a veteran alongside whom to work.

They also traded for veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon. Assuming Brogdon sticks, he is the type of heady, selfless and composed set-up man who can help in the development of any player.

“I think it’ll be very nice for me to learn from (Valanciunas),” Sarr told Medina. “Obviously he’s a great vet. He’s been in the league a long time. Just seeing how he goes about every day work is going to help me. He able to grab a lot of rebounds. He’s a defensive presence. He can stretch the floor, too, sometimes to step out for some 3s. I think he has a really complete game and I can’t wait to get to work and practice against him and play with him in games.”

So far Sarr, the sky is the limit.

Meanwhile, the Wizards have not won a playoff series since 2017. Worse, they haven’t hit 50 wins in any on season since 1979 — their last appearance in the NBA Finals. They are hoping young players such as Sarr can help change all that.