'Got Next': How Sarr spells success for Wizards

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When the Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr with the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, they knew they were getting a prospect with tremendous potential.

The Wizards are terrible (1-11 in 2025-26) but Sarr is absolutely not.

What few predicted was how quickly the 2.13m French centre would adapt to the NBA game. Just 12 games into his second professional season, Sarr is already establishing himself as one of the league's most intriguing young talents.

NBL Development: The Perth Wildcats Chapter

Before making the leap to the NBA, Sarr honed his craft with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL. During the NBL24, the Bordeaux big man showcased glimpses of his immense potential:

• Averaged 9.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in just 17.3 minutes per game
• Shot an efficient 51.6% from the field
• Recorded 1.5 blocks per game
• Developed his perimeter game, attempting 1.8 three-pointers per contest

His time in Perth proved invaluable for his development. Playing against seasoned professionals in one of the world's most competitive leagues outside the NBA allowed Sarr to adjust to the physicality and pace of professional basketball.

Key Performances with the Wildcats

Sarr's NBL stint included several standout performances that caught the attention of NBA scouts:

• Scored 18 points on perfect 6-of-6 free throw shooting in a win against South East Melbourne Phoenix (Jan 27)
• Recorded 14 points and 12 rebounds against the Cairns Taipans (Feb 10)
• Blocked five shots in a victory against South East Melbourne (Jan 27)
• Shot an impressive 100% from the field (4-from-4) while scoring nine points against Tasmania (Sep 29)

Immediate NBA Impact

Since joining the Wizards, the 20-year-old has wasted no time making his presence felt. Through his first 12 NBA games this season, Sarr is averaging:

• 19.1 points per game
• 8.6 rebounds per game
• 3.8 assists per game
• 2.3 blocks per game
• 53.1% field goal percentage
• 35.1% three-point percentage

These numbers are exceptional for any NBA player, let alone a second-year centre who's still developing his game. Sarr has already posted multiple 31-point performances (against Philadelphia on October 29 and Boston on November 6) and grabbed 15 rebounds against Detroit on November 11.

Two-Way Excellence

What makes Sarr particularly valuable is his impact on both ends of the court:

Offensive Versatility

• Efficient inside scorer (53.1% from the field)
• Developing three-point range (35.1% from deep)
• Better-than-expected passing (3.8 assists per game)
• Solid free-throw shooter (73.7%)

Defensive Anchor

• Elite rim protection (2.3 blocks per game)
• Versatile defender who can guard multiple positions
• Strong defensive awareness for his age
• Good positional rebounding (8.6 boards per game)

From NBL to NBA: The Perfect Development Path

Sarr's journey from France to the NBA via the NBL represents an increasingly popular pathway for international prospects. Rather than entering the NBA draft directly from Europe or attending an American university, Sarr chose to develop as an NBL Next Star.

This decision has clearly accelerated his development. The NBL provided:

1. Professional coaching in an English-speaking environment
2. Competition against former NBA players and high-level professionals
3. A physical style of play that prepared him for NBA contact
4. Significant playing time to develop his skills in game situations

Future Outlook

Despite Washington's challenging 1-11 start to the season, Sarr's performance offers tremendous hope for the franchise.

Areas where Sarr continues to develop:

• Reducing turnovers (currently 2.6 per game)
• Expanding his three-point volume (3.1 attempts per game)
• Building strength to handle the NBA's most physical centres
• Refining his post moves and face-up game

The NBL Connection

Sarr's success further validates the NBL as an elite development pathway for NBA prospects. Following players such as LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, and Alex Toohey, Sarr represents another success story for the league's Next Stars program.

For Australian basketball fans, watching Sarr's continued ascension in the NBA offers a special connection to a player they witnessed develop on local courts.

While the Wizards continue to rebuild, they appear to have found their centre of the future – one whose formative professional experience in Perth has helped shape him into one of the NBA's most promising young talents.