Entering the 2024 NBA Draft the Washington Wizards were looking for some long-term talent to build around in the future. Recently, the Wizards’ first-round picks have failed to pan out. Troy Brown Jr. (2018), Rui Hachimura (2019), and Deni Avdija (2020) are all in different uniforms. Johnny Davis (2022) has averaged 4.0 points through his first two seasons.
But entering the 2024-25 NBA season there’s a new change in scenery. With three first-round selections, the Wizards believe they have moved forward to building a sustainable and successful future. Each player complements each other’s weaknesses. Hopefully, that could be a foundation for a brighter team future.
Alexandre Sarr could be centerpiece if he develops a shot.
The future starts with the Wizards’ first draft pick, seven-foot Alexandre Sarr from OTE Elite by way of Bordeaux, Franch, and the NBL’s Perth Wildcats.
Sarr has a wingspan of seven feet and four inches. His playing style is comparable to nine-time all-star Anthony Davis.
Sarr was a gift to the Wizards. Expectations were for him to be the first overall pick. However, he declined a pre-draft workout with the Atlanta Hawks before only working out with Washington, who held the second overall pick.
Given his desire to play in Washington, maybe this signifies that he is the star player the Wizards desperately need.
In Australia, Sarr averaged 9.7 points and 1.3 blocks in 24 games with Perth. He shot 52% from the field, including 29% from three-point range.
Those numbers appear low, but he is 19 years old, in his first professional action. He also averaged just over 17 minutes. His per 36 minutes numbers seem more impressive at 20.3 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks. He shot 61% on two-point shots.
His shooting stroke is manageable. But his defense is where he may make the most of his earnings initially in the NBA.
Sarr is a great rim protector, and shot challenger. That is something the Wizards badly need after trading Daniel Gafford to the Dallas Mavericks. Sarr can guard positions one through five while staying light on his feet.
He gives the Wizards flexibility against the pick-and-roll and off-ball screens. His ability to switch while protecting the rim could fill a defensive hole that will help the league’s worst defense in 2023-24.
Offensively Sarr primarily scores in the paint. He has a great touch around the rim and great footwork. He’s also a great off-ball player, putting himself in positions to catch the pass and score efficiently. He can be a real lob threat in the league.
However, Sarr is not a good shooter. He doesn’t have a pull-up game. He’s more comfortable shooting off the catch. Sarr can dribble the basketball, above average for his size. Not having the ability to shoot off the dribble effectively could hinder him.
The Wizards must develop his shooting to make him a bigger offensive threat.
“Bub” Carrington could be eyepopping with maturity on the court.
The Wizards entered the draft with two first-round picks but gained a third in a pre-draft trade with the Portland Trailblazers. Washington sent Deni Avdija to Portland for veteran guard Malcolm Brogdon and the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft.
The Wizards used the pick to select Carlton “Bub” Carrington from the University of Pittsburgh.
Carrington is a 6-foot-5 combo guard with a playing style mimicking Tyrese Maxey.
Carrington is a Baltimore, Maryland native who spent his high school years attending St. Frances Academy. Carlton was a four-star recruit and a top-100 player in the nation for the 2023 class, according to 247 Sports.
Carrington dropped a trouble-double in his first collegiate game with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and ten assists against North Carolina A&T. He was named to the ACC All-Rookie Team, proving to be one of the best freshmen in the nation.
Carrington averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists in 33 games. He shot 41% from the field, including 32% from three.
His offensive strengths are highlighted by his ability to attack his spots. He can shoot off the dribble, and he has an effective mid-range game.
Washington would love for him to raise his three-point shooting, especially as a combo guard. He can play on and off the ball. He’ll have to make threes on the catch-and-shoot, as well with his pull-up game.
A weakness that can be overlooked with his size and speed, is the fact he isn’t a great finisher. He lacks a first step and explosiveness to put pressure on the defense. Those shortcomings contribute to him not driving through the lane to the basket. His drive game is almost non-existent.
Carrington isn’t an elite passer. However, he can make accurate and clean passes if the play is there. While he has strong handles, Wizards head coach Brian Keefe can play Carrington at shooting guard to play it safe. Still, the Wizards coaching staff must get him comfortable from driving and improve his finishing at the rim.
Defensively, Carrington makes his calling as a good on-ball defender. His length and speed can hold perimeter plays, and keep them at bay. Yet, he needs to gain more awareness defending off the ball. At times, he can get caught in a screen action, leading to opposing players getting easy looks at the basket. Carrington also needs a stronger closeout.
Carrington has raw talent. If he cleans up his footwork for his driving and raises his three-point shooting, he can be eyepopping.
Kyshawn has so much to build on
The Wizards stayed in the ACC for their third and final first-round pick. Washington chose wing Kyshawn George from the University of Miami (FL). The Wizards obtained George by trading the 26th and 51st pick to the New York Knicks for the 24th overall selection.
George stands 6-foot-8. He grew up in Monthey, Switzerland, where he won the 2016 U16 Swiss Championship. At 16, he moved to France to play with the Elan Chalon U21 team. After playing for their Pro-B team, he was recruited to Miami.
As a freshman, he averaged 7.6 points on 42% shooting from the field, and 40% from three.
George is a great floor spacer. He moves off the ball and gets open for good shots. He can shoot from deep, including against strong contests.
Another positive for George is that he can create spacing with his dribble. He has a step-back, and can set his feet to line up his shot. Despite not being a point guard, he’s a good passer, particularly in transition. He has showcased the ability to thread the needle with passes, as well, throwing up great lobs.
George lacks explosiveness also which makes him an average finisher despite his height. He also doesn’t create enough contact with the defender to get good looks at the rim. He gets stripped at times and misses hard-contested layups without drawing fouls.
His length, vertical, and reach are everything needed to make an impact on the defensive end. His size could be a plus, especially if he is on the floor with Sarr. With his on-ball defense, he is disruptive and does a good job of making the ball-handler pick up their dribble.
He has the framework to be a solid contributor. His offensive game needs to be honed to make a long-term contribution.
Overall the Wizards made waves with this rookie draft class. Development is key for all three prospects. The first round has become about potential. The Wizards potentially have three core blocks to build a foundation.
If everything goes well, this year’s draft will be considered the start of the franchise’s formation. Washington’s general manager Will Dawkins and President Michael Winger are moving the team in a new direction.
