Alex Sarr — The French Rising Star Making Wizards History

Breakout season in Washington

Alex Sarr, the French center taken first overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has quickly turned heads in Washington. After a rookie year of ups and downs, he’s come into his own this season, putting together eye-catching numbers across the board. Through 35 games he’s averaging 17.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 blocks per game — production that has made him a central piece for the Wizards offense and defense.

Those figures also carry historical weight: Sarr is the first player in the franchise since Pervis Ellison in 1993 to average at least 15 points and 2 blocks per game. That combination of scoring and rim protection is rare for a young big, and it’s helped the team in a variety of lineups.

Defense, French tradition and a memorable night

Defensively, Sarr ranks among the league’s top shot-blockers. His 2.1 blocks per game put him near the very top, trailing only a few elite defenders. It’s notable that a pair of other French players — including a league leader — also sit high on the blocks leaderboard, highlighting how many talented rim protectors have come out of France in recent years.

Sarr also delivered a performance that underlined his all-around potential: he became the youngest center in NBA history to record at least 30 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists in a single game. That kind of stat line shows he can score inside and out while moving the ball and altering shots on defense.

He’s still early in his career and will have growing pains, but the combination of scoring, playmaking and shot-blocking makes Sarr a rare young talent. If he keeps developing at this pace, he could be a cornerstone for the Wizards and a fixture among the league’s best young big men.