Inside The Wizards

Wizards Rookie Must Improve Critical Skill

The Washington Wizards have a rookie struggling to find his shot.

Jeremy Brener

Nov 13, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (20) goes up to dunk while defended by San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
Nov 13, 2024; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (20) goes up to dunk while defended by San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama (1) during the second half at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images / Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards haven't had a lot to get excited about to start the season, but No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr is an exception.

Sarr, 19, is averaging 10.8 points and 6.3 rebounds per game for the Wizards so far this season and he has continued to make strides in his game.

The Wizards drafted Sarr because of his ability to defend, and coach Brian Keefe is excited with what he has seen so far.

“The biggest thing for us with Alex is always going to be his defense, his versatility, ability to switch, protect the rim,” Keefe said. “When he makes shots, that's great but the focus is always his defense.”

Sarr came into the league as a plus-defender, but there is still some adjusting to do when moving to the NBA. He has done his best to hone in on his craft, and that has remained a positive of his throughout the start of the season.

As for his offense, it is something he needs to work on. He has been one of the worst shooters statistically in the league, making just 38.1 percent of his shots from the field and 25 percent from beyond the 3-point line. However, veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon is doing his part in making sure he stays confident.

“I always tell Alex take your time,” Brogdon said. “You're not known as a shooter right now. You shoot the ball solid you're going to get better and better but if you're out there, if you're going to pop, take your time shooting them. Don't rush and I think he's learned that. I think tonight he learned that he can take his time shooting the ball he doesn't have to rush.”

If Sarr can find a way to improve his 3-point shot and his offense altogether, the Wizards could have their future center locked in.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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