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3 Things to look for in the Wizards preseason opener

The preseason is here but let's try not overreact.

By John Canady

Dec 31, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) celebrates with guard Jordan Poole (13) during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
Dec 31, 2023; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Kyle Kuzma (33) celebrates with guard Jordan Poole (13) during the first half against the Atlanta Hawks at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images / James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards are set to open the preseason against the Toronto Raptors on Sunday.

With a rookie head coach and a revamped roster, Wizards’ fans are set to see a preview of the upcoming season in Washington.

Poole’s playmaking

Jordan Poole landed in Washington last season with the hopes of the former Golden State Warriors' explosive scorer taking off in a starting role with a fresh start. The Michigan guard showed flashes of his scoring, but in a role as the team’s primary ball handler, Poole didn’t impress as a facilitator.

However, first-year head coach Brian Keefe gave Poole the nod to retain starting point guard duties, and with more talent around him, it’ll be interesting to see if the guard can serve as more than just a shot-taker, sometimes shot-maker.

Alex Sarr’s confidence level

Alex Sarr was drafted No. 2 overall in this year’s NBA Draft despite many arguing he should have been the top overall pick. Fast forward to Summer League, Sarr could have fooled outsiders that he was an undrafted free agent with his performance.

After an 0-15 shooting night in his debut, Sarr’s output didn’t get much better throughout the rest of the summer. The kind of performance that could destroy a player’s confidence, especially one with as high of expectations as him.

Nonetheless, the 7-footer has the talent to turn the narratives around with a solid rookie debut ahead of what he hopes to be a Rookie of the Year campaign. If Sarr shows up and plays with confidence on Sunday, that will be a great sign for the Wizards.

Bub Carrington’s role

Bub Carrington was drafted with the last pick in the lottery during this year’s NBA Draft. The Pitt product has had glaring reviews after a strong summer and throughout the start of the team’s camp. 

The 19-year-old has the talent to be a starter despite still being a bit of a raw prospect. However, it's unknown just how much his skillset will be utilized in his first year, especially with a crowded backcourt filled with players who deserve minutes. 

Nonetheless, in a rebuilding year, if Carrington shows promise, it won’t be a shock to find himself as a focal piece of the rotation and even in the starting lineup at one point. On Sunday, the combo guard will get his first real chance to show he was made for the moment.

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