The Washington Wizards took an ambitious step in the 2024 NBA Draft by choosing Alex Sarr as the 2nd overall pick from the Perth Wildcats of the Australian NBL. Furthermore, the Wizards have also reached a preliminary agreement to obtain the draft rights to Bub Carrington, who was the 14th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, and Kyshawn George, the 24th overall pick from the New York Knicks. The completion of these acquisitions is anticipated to happen in the future, improving the Wizards’ chances for the upcoming season.
Alex Sarr: An Up-and-Coming Talent from France
Alex Sarr, a center hailing from Bordeaux, France, stands at 7 feet tall and weighs 224 pounds, showcasing his defensive skills and talent in shot-blocking. Sarr, only 19 years old, has shown rapid growth and impressive skills on his way to the NBA. In the 2023-24 season with the Perth Wildcats as a participant in the NBL’s Next Stars initiative, Sarr maintained an average of 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game across 27 league games.
Sarr’s most memorable performance occurred at the 2023 NBA G League Fall Invitational, where he recorded a total of 12 blocks in two matchups against the NBA G League Ignite. In his game, he showcased his capabilities with 26 points, 10 rebounds, six blocked shots, and three steals, demonstrating his potential as a powerful player on the court.
Prior to his NBL debut, Sarr was with Overtime Elite for two seasons (2021-23) and was selected for the 2022-23 All-OTE Second Team. He also played for France in the 2023 U17 FIBA World Cup, where he recorded an average of 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game, helping France secure the silver medal. Sarr marks a new beginning for the franchise as the Wizards’ initial top-three pick since 2013.
Bub Carrington: A Multi-talented Forward hailing from Pittsburgh
Bub Carrington, a forward standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 195 pounds, showcases versatility and playmaking skills for the Wizards after playing for the University of Pittsburgh. In his first year, Carrington played in 33 games (all as a starter), with an average of 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game. He was the sole freshman in the country to achieve 2023-24 ACC All-Freshman recognition by maintaining stats of 13.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game.
Washington Wizards select Alex Sarr with the 2nd Pick in the 2024 NBA Draft…
Sarr was -1100 to go 2nd Overall!
🎙️ @BenScottStevens, @TheKevinWalsh, and @CoachYoungNJ:#ForTheDistrict #NBAX pic.twitter.com/nqBLzC5Ib0
— SportsGrid (@SportsGrid) June 27, 2024
Carrington had a quick start at Pittsburgh, being the first ACC player since 1987 to achieve a triple-double in their debut game, scoring 18 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and dishing out 10 assists against North Carolina A&T. His versatility in different areas of the game makes him a valuable asset for the Wizards.
Kyshawn George: A Skilled Shooting Guard hailing from Miami.
Kyshawn George, a guard standing at 6 feet 8 inches and weighing 205 pounds from Miami (FL), is recognized for his precise shooting and scoring skills. During his first year in college, George participated in 30 games, beginning in 16 of them, and recorded an average of 7.6 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. He made a remarkable .426 field goal percentage and .408 three-point percentage.
George was the sole ACC freshman to achieve an average of at least 7.0 points and 3.0 rebounds per game at Miami, despite playing fewer than 25.0 minutes per game. Before starting college, George spent four years playing for the French Club Elan Chalon. During the 2022-23 season, he achieved averages of 17.6 points, 6.5 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.4 steals per game for the U21 team.
Constructing a Bright Tomorrow
The Wizards’ strategic decisions in the 2024 NBA Draft show dedication to constructing a team based on a solid core of youthful players. The Wizards have a diverse and dynamic roster with Alex Sarr’s skills as a rim protector, Bub Carrington’s versatility, and Kyshawn George’s accurate shooting.
Sarr’s quick advancement at Baylor and his readiness to adjust to varied levels of competition underscore his potential for growth in the NBA. The Wizards’ management is hopeful about his future impact on the team, highlighting his smarts and innate talent.
Carrington demonstrates his ability to compete at the professional level from the start in Pittsburgh, while George’s scoring skills and sharpshooting bring an important aspect to the Wizards’ backcourt. These players collectively symbolize a fresh pool of talent that the Wizards are banking on to bring them success in the upcoming seasons.
As the Wizards get ready for the upcoming season, fans can anticipate seeing these youthful players progress and help improve the team. Sarr’s defensive skills, Carrington’s playmaking, and George’s scoring give the Wizards a strong base for the future, allowing them to potentially thrive in the tough NBA environment.