Alex Sarr had high expectations when the Washington Wizards drafted him at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
The French product's career didn't start how fans would have hoped and it certainly didn't start how the big man dreamed either.
From offensive struggles in Summer League to an inefficient rookie season, Sarr's role with the Wizards moving forward was a bit unknown.
Defensively, the lengthy forward had enough flashes that the Wizards felt like they could rely on him to be there defensive anchor in the front court.
However, offensively, his inability to thrive in areas that a typical 7-footer would put the Wizards in a bit of an odd spot on that side of the court.
Not only did Sarr's offensive lapses put Brian Keefe in a tough spot when it came to an offensive system that could allow all of the young players to thrive, but the big man did himself a bit of a disservice when it came to showing what he had to offer.
Nonetheless, rookie woes are far from abnormal and most of the time, the early struggles come from the search of where players fit in certain roles.
And if Sarr hopes to prove that to be true, his best role may come as a stretch five for the Wizards.
The former No. 2 overall pick has shown flashes of his ability to space the floor both as a rookie and during Summer League earlier this offseason.
Sarr carried his impressive offensive play into the FIBA EuroBasket play, where he represented Team France against other top NBA players as part of friendly qualifier matches.
While the big man still isn't to the level that would make him one of the most efficient stretch fives in the league in comparison to players such as Karl-Anthony Towns or Jaren Jackson Jr., there;'s hope that with an improved jumper, Sarr could avoid being put in bad situations in the paint offensively.
Not only would an offensive development help the young forward's confidence to better his game, but it would also be a huge relief to the Wizards play on the court and a sense of validation that the team didn't make the wrong selection, especially with players like Stephon Castle thriving.
Regardless of what's to come, it's clear that if Sarr hopes to take a leap, he'll need to take on the role as the stretch five the Wizards need him to become.