When Alex Sarr entered the league, the big man immediately was faced with high expectations and rising pressure.
Following his draft process saga that led him being surpassed with the No. 1 overall pick that was held by the Atlanta Hawks, just to land with the Washington Wizards, who held the No. 2 overall pick, all eyes immediately focused on the French product.
Entering Summer League during his rookie season, any errors or rookie mistakes would be magnified not only because of the fact that he was a top three pick, but because he was a top pick who declined to workout with the Hawks in efforts to wind up in a desired landing spot; which is largely frowned upon to many.
Combined with the fact that any struggles would be magnified, it didn't help that his rookie debut in Summer League was about as poor of a performance as it could have been.
Followed by an inefficient rookie season, where the big man simply struggled in the areas that a player of his size and position should excel put the label that no top pick wants next to their name: bust.
However, instead of dwelling on his rookie showing, the 7-footer put his head down and went to work this offseason.
Between his stops in Summer League and showing during FIBA EuroBasket play for Team France, it was clear that Sarr was on a mission to prove his doubters wrong during his sophomore campaign and so far, he's done exactly that.
Through seven games, Sarr is averaging 17.3 points, 8.4 rebounds and 4.1 assists, while shooting 52.7% from field goal range and 35.3% from beyond the arc.
In addition to his offensive improvements, the forward proved that his defensive success from year one is here to stay,
Averaging 2.1 blocks per game and just under one steal at 0.7, Sarr looks to be one of the best young two-way talents in the league.
Not only does Sarr's improved efficiency sign for optimism, but the fact that he's playing with a new sense of confidence and belief that he belongs out there is a great sign for the Wizards and fans who hope the French product can be a guy to build around moving forward.
Obviously, seven games is a small sample size, but if Sarr is able to translate his strong start to the full 82-game season, he'll prove the Wizards made the right selection during the 2024 NBA Draft.