The Washington Wizards have a lot invested in the development of former No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr.
Washington's big man has the skillset to be a cornerstone and with his confidence continuing to grow, he's only tapping into the potential that the Wizards believe he possesses.
In fact, Sarr's potential is one of the biggest reasons why the team felt the urgency to land Trae Young in a blockbuster trade with the Atlanta Hawks.
Providing Sarr with a pass first point guard that could elevate his play to reach the next level in his development was the motive for Washington to strike a deal, but for Young, he was following the trend that the French product started.
That trend is exactly why the Wizards may have even more to thank Sarr for when it's all said and done.
Alex Sarr started a trend that changed the Wizards future
Throughout the process of the 2024 NBA Draft, Sarr was considered to be far and away the consensus pick to be taken No. 1 overall leading up to the draft.
However, after showing an unwillingness to workout for the Hawks, who possessed the top pick at the time, Atlanta was forced to turn their attention to Zaccharie Risacher, who they eventually selected No 1.
Sarr's preferred landing spot was in Washington and he eventually got his wish being selected by the Wizards No. 2 overall.
For Washington, being a preferred landing spot for talent was certainly new territory, but thanks to Sarr and his desire to pair up with the team's new decision makers, it has become a trend that may save the Wizards moving forward.
Following Sarr, Ace Bailey, another top prospect from the 2025 NBA Draft class, followed the forward's foot steps attempting to force his way to Washington.
Despite his failed attempts, it was clear that the Wizards weren't considered a destination where players went for their careers to die.
Instead, Washington was being viewed as a location on the rise.
Now, with four-time All-Star Trae Young landing in Washington after listing the Wizards as his preferred landing spot, it only goes to show that the trend Sarr started has unraveled a domino effect that could change the future of the team's rebuild entirely.
The Wizards are a team on the rise and as players continue to navigate towards what Brian Keefe and Will Dawkins are building in the DMV, Washington could be a force to be reckoned with sooner than originally thought.