The Washington Wizards just got a haul at the 2024 NBA Draft, adding four rookies who could end up being a big part of their future plans moving forward.
Pittsburgh guard Bub Carrington and Miami wing Kyshawn George are nice pieces, but French big man Alex Sarr, who the Wizards selected with the No. 2 pick in the draft, is the star of the bunch.
Sarr is projected to be an incredible defender at the NBA level and has a chance to be a stud on both ends of the floor. But he’ll have to develop.
Here are five free agents the Wizards should target to help mentor Sarr.
1. DeAndre Jordan
If the Wizards want to help Sarr become the best defender he can be, bringing in a veteran big man who has a history of top-notch defensive play would be a great idea.
Jordan spent years with the LA Clippers, anchoring their defense when they were one of the best teams in the league. And while he’s not that same player anymore, Jordan could still teach Sarr everything he knows.
2. JaVale McGee
Just like Jordan, JaVale McGee isn’t in the position to give a team big-time minutes anymore, but he’s a veteran big man with experience winning and could provide valuable insight.
McGee has won championships with multiple organizations and, at his peak, was a quality player on both ends of the floor. If nothing else, he would be able to teach Sarr about the league.
3. Boban Marjanovic
Outside of being a genuine giant, Boban Marjanovic is one of the funniest players in the league. He’s friends with everybody and would help the whole team, not just Sarr.
Cultivating a positive locker room environment could be a great way to help the Wizards’ rookie class assimilate into the NBA, and for Sarr, befriending Marjanovic could help him get comfortable.
4. Daniel Theis
After spending the latter portion of last season with the LA Clippers, Daniel Theis will be a free agent this summer, and he’s a guy who could play actual minutes for the Wizards.
He’s a great positional defender and a tough screen-setter, both of which are solid assets he could help pass down to Sarr as he gets used to the NBA.
5. Andre Drummond
For as great of a defender as Sarr is and will be in the NBA, Sarr wasn’t an incredible rebounder overseas. That’s where Andre Drummond could come in and help.
Drummond has been one of the best rebounders in the league for years, and if he could help teach Sarr how to best position himself and box out, he would be in a great spot.