Alexandre Sarr #20 of the Washington Wizards (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
In his first season, Alex Sarr showed flashes of the two-way force many envisioned when he entered the league as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-10 forward for the Washington Wizards earned a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team while growing into one of the league’s most promising defenders. But according to Sarr, his rookie year development was about much more than box score production.
“I feel like kind of everything,” Sarr told RG. “Defensively, I think physicality. Offensively, trying to get to the rim more, more drives. So I think that’s how I developed the most, for sure.”
Through 67 games, Sarr averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 blocks in 27.1 minutes per game. He flashed his upside on multiple occasions, including a 20-point, 12-rebound, six-assist, three-block outing on April 8 against Boston. Though still improving his shooting efficiency (39.4% FG, 30.8% from three), Sarr’s impact as a defender and mobile big has stood out.
Head coach Brian Keefe praised the French forward’s progression before his rookie campaign came to a close.
“You’re seeing the growth on a day-to-day basis. Obviously, you see him becoming more comfortable on offense,” Keefe said during the season. “We play through him a lot. He’s in the trail spot; he makes good decisions. He’s a good passer. Obviously, he’s shot the ball better. But he’s also driving the ball to the rim. You’re seeing a little bit of growth. But we’re still learning him.”
Sarr, for his part, remains focused on becoming even more disruptive on the defensive end.
“Just defensive impact,” Sarr told RG. “Kind of impacting the game even more defensively.”
French Ties and Veteran Influence
The presence of a fellow countryman eased much of Sarr’s adjustment to the NBA. Bilal Coulibaly, in his second NBA season, played an essential role in Sarr’s acclimation—not only as a teammate, but as a fellow French player navigating the league.
“He plays with a lot of intensity, a lot of talent,” Sarr said. “He’s an incredible athlete, obviously. He really brought us a different dynamic when he was on the court.”
Coulibaly, drafted No. 7 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, shared prior experience as a rookie, offering Sarr advice on how to manage the pace, physicality and day-to-day grind of the NBA.
“The fact that he had the rookie experience already, he could help me through the things I had to manage through,” Sarr told RG. “So yeah, he definitely helped me.”
Their connection was on full display during All-Star Weekend, when both were selected to participate in the 2025 NBA Rising Stars game. It marked a major milestone for each player—and for the Wizards, who were the only team with two French players featured in the event.
“We’ve got a good young core. This is the proof,” Coulibaly said in February.
Veteran Jonas Valančiūnas also played a key role. Before being traded midseason to the Sacramento Kings, he served as a steadying force and mentor for the young roster—most notably for Sarr.
“That’s my rook right there!” Valančiūnas told RG in December, sitting next to Sarr before a game.
Despite signing a three-year, $30.3 million deal with Washington, Valančiūnas willingly came off the bench behind the rookie, offering daily mentorship.
“Every time he steps on the court, he gains experience,” Valančiūnas told RG. “Right now, experience is key for him—every minute he plays will help him grow. He’s working hard, and the sky’s the limit for him.”
Sarr noted Valančiūnas’ professionalism: “Just little stuff. I feel like he’s more like a leader by example. Seeing how committed he is to the shootarounds, to the practices, kind of gives you—he shows you what it takes to be a pro.”
EuroBasket and a National Identity
Sarr credited head coach Brian Keefe and the Wizards staff for building a culture of accountability, structure and trust.
“They’re holding everybody accountable,” Sarr told RG. “Trying to build something here and everybody’s bought into building our identity.”
That identity extends to his national pride. France’s rise in basketball talent—from Victor Wembanyama to Tony Parker—has inspired players like Sarr to dream big.
He expressed hope that the Wizards might participate in a future NBA Global Game in France.
“I think it’s really nice—for the teams but also for the fans in France,” Sarr said. “It helps grow the game. Hopefully it will be us next year. I’d be very happy to play there for sure.”
Now, he’s representing France at EuroBasket 2025 after being named to the 58-man extended roster by the French Federation.
“Representing my country is always a blessing,” Sarr said. “I would love to be part of it.”
Sarr’s youth resume includes medals at every major FIBA youth tournament, including gold at the 2021 U16 Challengers, bronze at the 2022 U17 World Cup and silver at the 2023 U19 World Cup.
Looking forward, scouts believe he could form an elite defensive pairing with Wembanyama or Gobert.
“There are a lot of French players in the league right now,” Sarr said. “And I think our national team is going to look pretty good.”
Scouting the Future
Sarr’s NBA growth earned him All-Rookie First Team honors. Teammate Bub Carrington was named to the Second Team—marking the first time since 1963–64 two Wizards rookies made the list.
“He’s not just a shot blocker—he can defend in space, which is what teams need now,” one NBA scout said.
Offensively, Sarr showed advanced skills with the ball and as a passer. “He can face up, he’s got a handle, and the passing reads are ahead of where most bigs are at that age,” said another scout.
Physically, Sarr improved throughout the year. “The strength piece is coming along,” a Western Conference scout noted. “He’s not a finished product physically, but the base is there.”
Looking ahead, scouts see a modern two-way big who can switch defensively, space the floor and initiate offense.
“You project him forward and it’s easy to see him anchoring a modern defense,” said an Eastern Conference scout.
His participation in EuroBasket is seen as a major developmental step.
“For someone like Sarr, that exposure is massive,” one international scout said. “It only helps elevate young talent.”
Now with the national team, Sarr enters a summer of opportunity—ready to represent France and take the next step in his NBA ascent.
Grant Afseth
