Entering the season, Alex Sarr has plenty of expectations set for him during his sophomore season.
Following his rookie campaign, the French product's underwhelming performances caused concern about what his future holds in Washington.
As a former No. 2 overall pick, the Wizards expected the forward to immediately be the cornerstone that could alter the team's rebuild moving forward.
After finally hitting the reset button after years of avoiding the issue, the Wizards have struggled to find a young player that could be their building block for the years to come.
At least, they've yet to find a young player who has proven he can be that guy up to this point.
There's still plenty of hope that Sarr can be that guy, and the flashes of improvement he showed during Summer League this offseason and during his run with Team France through FIBA EuroBasket play, things looked optimisic when it came to a potential sophomore leap for the 7-footer.
That was, until injury forced the big man to deal with a setback prior to the season.
Regardless, when Sarr is healthy, his new role on the Wizards as a stretch five could be what allows for him to prove that Washington made the right decision when they swung on his potential during the 2024 NBA Draft.
However, Sarr's new role and his development alone may not be the only factor when it comes to a potential breakout.
In fact, the development of another big man on the roster may be the difference maker for Sarr's career.
Tristan Vukcevic could be the key
Tristan Vukcevic is another intriguing big man option on the Wizards young roster and as a two-way player, his role is in question entering the season.
However, the Serbian product showed flashes during his increased role down the stretch of last season and after working with Nikola Jokic during FIBA EuroBasket play this offseason, the former second-round pick could be in for a huge season.
If Vukcevic is able to come in and prove to be another difference maker in the frontcourt, he could prove to be a starting caliber big alongside Sarr.
Not only would his emergence cause more stress on opposing teams, but it would open up Sarr's game completely allowing him to play more as a stretch, while Washington also could have a relaible presence suit up in the post when Sarr sinks out towards the perimeter.
All that to say, a leap for Vukcevic could be the difference in Sarr's career as a whole.