Wizards Rookie Predicted to Have Big Year

The Washington Wizards are hoping their top rookie has a strong first season.

Jeremy Brener | Oct 21, 2024

Oct 9, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (20) rebounds during the second half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images / Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Washington Wizards

The Washington Wizards picked Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick in hopes that he would emerge as one of the best players from his 2024 NBA Draft class.

There is potential that he could be the best player down the line, but there's also a chance that it won't come overnight, especially with a Wizards team that is trying to figure out its own identity on the fly.

That's why Bleacher Report writer Eric Pincus believes that Sarr will end up on the All-Rookie Second Team despite being the No. 2 overall pick.

"Sarr was one of the top selections of the 2024 draft, but the class has fewer ready-to-dominate players than a typical year," Pincus writes. "He will get the minutes and opportunity in Washington. His team won't win many games, but he'll earn second All-Rookie second-team honors for what he brings defensively, along with improved outside shooting."

Sarr was listed on the Second Team next to Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets), Tidjane Salaun (Charlotte Hornets), Jared McCain (Philadelphia 76ers) and Rob Dillingham (Minnesota Timberwolves).

Those listed on the First Team were No. 1 overall pick Zaccharie Risacher (Atlanta Hawks), Dalton Knecht (Los Angeles Lakers), Ryan Dunn (Phoenix Suns), Zach Edey (Memphis Grizzlies) and Stephon Castle (San Antonio Spurs). Risacher was also predicted to be the league's Rookie of the Year.

In order for Sarr to surprise and outplay his projection, the Wizards rookie will have to figure out the game quickly. It could be difficult playing with a number of young players also battling for playing time, but there are a few veterans who could help him out like Anthony Gill, Jonas Valanciunas and Richaun Holmes. If he can lean on his veterans and adjust quickly, Sarr may prove Pincus wrong and end up on the All-Rookie First Team, potentially as the Rookie of the Year.

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Published Oct 21, 2024

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.