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**WASHINGTON**— Recently, Alex Sarr showcased a seldom-seen facet of his personality that many outside his immediate circle might miss.
As the Washington Wizards clung to a slender one-point lead in the final minute of a game, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham surged down the lane for a powerful left-handed dunk. Sarr took two quick steps to obstruct Cunningham’s trajectory, leaping to reject the dunk, sending Cunningham crashing to the floor. In a bid to energize his teammates, Sarr turned to the Wizards’ bench, flexed his muscles, and let out a roar.
In a rookie season characterized by personal revelations, confirmed skills, and lessons learned, this particular moment felt especially significant. The block unambiguously revealed Sarr’s capability to make an impactful defensive play that could turn the tide of a close contest against a playoff-caliber team. It also unveiled a depth of emotion that Sarr usually keeps hidden behind a composed exterior. In his 50th NBA regular-season appearance, he created a pivotal moment that left the Wizards hopeful about his prospects and curious about what more he might reveal in the future.
“I admire that he celebrated a defensive play,” coach Brian Keefe remarked. “It wasn’t merely about offense. That’s the kind of play that contributes to winning. If he’s excited about that, that’s wonderful because we expect him to be the cornerstone of our defense.”
Forecasting the long-term potential of first- and second-year big men is notoriously challenging, particularly for players like Sarr who still require time to develop physically and cultivate what is colloquially referred to as “grown-man strength.” For Sarr, who will turn 20 at the end of the month, assessing his current performance is further complicated by the fact that he frequently shares the court with other young players, including rookies Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George, as well as fellow Frenchman Bilal Coulibaly who is in his second year.
What is undoubtedly clear is this: Sarr exhibits innate attributes for a 7-footer that cannot be taught. He moves fluidly on the court, and with his background primarily as a wing player in his early teens, he skillfully handles the ball and passes effectively in transition. His shooting from beyond the arc has shown variability, yet his form remains smooth and sound.
A cautious estimate of his potential suggests he could evolve into a quintessential modern big man—capable of stretching the floor with his three-point shooting while also defending the rim with his agility, height, and shot-blocking skills.
100 career 3-pointers for Alex 🎯 pic.twitter.com/Tr0Az0sfOq
— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) April 3, 2025
Last spring, as a highly-rated draft candidate, Sarr chose not to work out for the Atlanta Hawks, who held the first overall pick, due to their existing big man tandem of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu. Instead, he opted for the Wizards, who had the second pick and promised him significant playing time as a rookie, allowing him the freedom to showcase his strengths while learning from his errors.
The Wizards have certainly honored that commitment. Among this year’s rookie cohort, only Carrington has averaged more minutes than Sarr, who has clocked in at 27.1 minutes per game, while Carrington averages 29.5. (Another Wizard, George, ranks fourth in overall minutes). According to Basketball-Reference, Sarr is one of only three rookies in NBA history to register at least 95 blocks and make a minimum of 100 three-pointers, joining Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama in that exclusive club.
“Having the freedom to play is essential for your development,” Sarr shared in an interview with The Athletic, “because it allows you to understand the areas where you need improvement and what you should avoid.”
After a solid December where he shot almost 46 percent from beyond the arc, Sarr seemed poised to contend for Rookie of the Year honors. However, his shooting faltered in January, and he subsequently missed eight consecutive games due to a sprained ankle.
The Wizards are actively advocating for Sarr to receive the award, but it remains uncertain whether he can surpass fellow lottery picks such as San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher, or Memphis Grizzlies second-round surprise Jaylen Wells. Washington’s lackluster record and Sarr’s shooting inefficiencies may hinder his chances, even though his averages of 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game work in his favor.
On March 15, just after his block on Cunningham, Sarr delivered a standout performance, notching a career-high 34 points along with five assists to help the Wizards pull off a surprise victory against Nikola Jokić’s Nuggets in Denver, 126-123.
“He aspires for greatness and wants those around him to excel,” remarked George, a close friend and teammate of Sarr.
“He might not express it outwardly,” George continued, “but you can see it through the way he plays. His game has evolved since the season began, even from the summer league. Each game, he makes noticeable strides.”
Sarr’s consistent improvement and growing comfort within the team reflect a trend he established before joining the Wizards. At the age of 14, he left his family’s home in Bordeaux, France, to join the youth basketball program at Real Madrid, taking time to acclimate and learn Spanish. Two years later, he relocated to Atlanta to join Overtime Elite, gradually finding his rhythm. Last season, playing for the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s top league, he finished strongly.
Olivier Sarr, Alex’s older brother, understands the journey to the NBA well. At 26, Olivier appeared in 46 regular-season games for the Oklahoma City Thunder over three years.
A torn Achilles tendon has sidelined Olivier this season, but it has allowed him to spend time rehabilitating in Washington and supporting Alex as he adapts to NBA life. Their parents frequently visit from France and are regulars at Wizards home games, along with Olivier.
As children, Alex would imitate his older brother. When Olivier was 10 and working with basketball trainer Vincent Mbassi, little Alex, just 4, would insist on taking shots as well.
“He couldn’t even shoot a three back then,” Olivier recalled, “but that didn’t matter. Whatever I was doing, he would mirror it with the same intensity and attention to detail, and he took the game very seriously from a young age.”
“Whatever he sets his sights on,” Olivier added, “he makes sure to achieve it or positions himself optimally for success. It’s impressive to see. Everything he has said about making it to the NBA and succeeding there is coming to fruition. It shows the power of his mentality and determination.”
Consequently, it’s no surprise that Alex Sarr has earned a reputation within the Wizards as a dedicated and focused worker. During his individual shooting sessions before games—often 90 minutes prior to tip-off—he stands out as the only player wearing the team’s official warm-up attire.
Yet, as the season has progressed, teammates have also discovered a lighter side to Sarr’s personality. Although generally reserved, he occasionally joins in on team conversations, adding dry humor or a playful glance.
“OK,” Carrington said, grinning, “I’m going to let you in on a secret about Alex Sarr that most people don’t know. Everyone thinks he’s this quiet, chill guy, but he’s actually a troll. He’s like a big kid, the biggest toddler on the team. He finds a way to turn anything into a joke.”
“Hey, look over there,” Sarr might say to a teammate, gesturing to an empty spot over their shoulder, prompting them to turn around, only to find nothing remarkable.
Soon after, he could pivot and pose a question to a veteran teammate regarding defensive strategies, preparation for consecutive games, or insights about an opponent’s tendencies.
“Super goofy, super understated,” wing Corey Kispert described him. “He’s quiet but hilariously funny. He’s one of those people who tends to observe more than speak, but when he does chime in, it’s genuinely humorous. And, most importantly, he’s eager to learn and improve.”
It took time for teammates to recognize Sarr’s playful nature, just like it took a while for fans to spot his emotional side.
This ongoing evolution makes everyone wonder just how much more he will develop in the coming months and years.
During a recent afternoon, Sarr was asked how he envisions himself in a decade. He paused for a moment before responding earnestly.
“In ten years,” he stated, “I see myself still playing for the Wizards in Washington, with us being a very strong team competing in the playoffs every year.”
Josh Robbins is a senior writer at The Athletic. He began his coverage of the Washington Wizards in 2021, following over a decade covering the Orlando Magic for The Athletic and the Orlando Sentinel, where he worked for 18 years. His journalism has been recognized by the Football Writers Association of America, the Green Eyeshade Awards, and the Florida Society of News Editors. He served as president of the Professional Basketball Writers Association from 2014 to 2023. A native of the greater Washington, D.C. area, you can follow Josh on X at @JoshuaBRobbins.
