Alex Sarr fell short of being named the NBA Rookie of the Year this season, but that doesn't mean his future for the Washington Wizards isn't bright.
Life in the NBA isn't a race and every star develops at their own pace to become different players. For Sarr, just because the ROTY award was out of reach for him, doesn't rule out the possibility that he goes on to win far more superior awards throughout his career that make him laugh about being snubbed during his rookie season,
With the tools to be great, Sarr has a chance to be nominated for many awards moving forward. That said, here's a look at 3 awards that the French product could be nominated for in the future.
Defensive Player of the Year
This award is the very first possibility that comes to mind when I think about Sarr's game. The seven-footer has a long ways to go on offense, but his defensive play quickly proved why the Wizards were so high on his potential coming out of last offseason's NBA Draft.
Between his agility at his size, massive wingspan and instincts to read opposing players, whether it be by jumping in the passing lane or timing a block just right, Sarr continues to impress.
If he bulks up and continues to add around his game, even as a defender, a future Defensive Player of the Year award is very much in reach.
Most Improved Player
Sarr didn't win Rookie of the Year, but he did show enough promise to finish top 5 in ROTY voting, finishing with the fourth-most votes.
The Wizards forward averaged 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assist and 1.5 blocks throughout his rookie season, showing that he can be the star Washington drafted him to be.
With the right approach in the offseason, he has the talent to come out next season and absolutely dominate with his skillset, which would almost certainly put him in the running for the Most Improved Player Award.
All-Star
As mentioned above, Sarr's unique skillset gives him the potential to be a dynamic player in the NBA. He's the the size and versatility to be one of the most unguardable players on offense and as a defensive stud, his impact as a two-way player will only help his chances to make an All-Star team at some point in the future.
When/if Sarr is named to his first NBA All-Star team, there's no doubt that the snub of the Rookie of the Year award won't even cross his mind. And if it does, it'll likely be because it was what fueled him to continue improving.