3 reasons why Alex Sarr won't be a bust despite subpar preseason showing

In mid-July, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr went 0-for-15 against the Portland Trail Blazers in the Las Vegas Summer League. Fans blasted the Frenchman because he hardly looked like the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Many called him a “bust” after just one summer league game.

Sarr improved in the preseason, averaging 11.3 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.6 blocks per game. Nevertheless, the “bust” label continues to hound him. It didn’t help that he finished with two points on 1-for-7 shooting, including 0-for-5 on his debut against the Boston Celtics.

Washington's lanky forward isn’t turning heads, but he might not be a bust.

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Three reasons why Alex Sarr could destroy the “bust” predictions

#3 Alex Sarr is still only 19

Alex Sarr doesn’t turn 20 until April next year. He would have been one of the youngest prospects in the 2025 NBA draft had he not entered pro this year. Labeling a player a “bust” before a full season has been completed doesn't make sense.

Zach Edey, the Memphis Grizzlies’ 7-foot-4 center and one of the favorites to win the Rookie of the Year award, is 22. Edey was a sophomore at Purdue when he was Sarr's age. The Frenchman could be much better than Edey or any rookie in the 2024 draft class after three years.

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#2 Alex Sarr has shown flashes of a suffocating defensive game

Sarr is 7-foot, with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, and has the mobility of a small forward. Many thought he would shine on defense first because of these factors. He hasn't disappointed analysts on that end to start his NBA career.

Wizards insider Chase Hughes pointed out:

“Alex Sarr has started his NBA career with a franchise record three consecutive games with 2+ blocks. He has 3 tonight early in the 3rd quarter."

Hughes added:

“No NBA player has started their career with more than 3 straight multi-block games since Joel Embiid (4) in 2016. Shaquille O'Neal owns the record with 23. No one else has ever had more than 6.”

Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren, last season’s top rookies, had more polished games on offense than Sarr. “Wemby” and Holmgren, though, had their biggest impacts early on defense. The Wizards' rookie could be on that path to two-way excellence.

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#1 The Washington Wizards rookie is starting to fill up the stat sheet

Sarr is averaging 7.0 points per game, ninth among rookies. He tops the first-year pros with 6.7 rebounds per game and second in blocks with 2.0 swats per contest. The Frenchman is seventh in steals with 0.7 swipes per game. Sarr’s two-way impact might break out sooner than expected.

The Washington Wizards are expected to be cellar dwellers in the NBA again this season. Sarr, who has less pressure to deliver for a likely non-playoff team, could develop faster than his counterparts in playoff-bound teams. Fans who called him a “bust” might changed their tune in a few months.