The Washington Wizards have one of the most talented young rosters in the league and after years of struggling to find high-upside prospects to fill out their roster.
Fortunately, the hiring of front office regime of general manager Will Dawkins and President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger has completely altered the state of the Wizards future and in large part because of their ability to land top talent, even when the cards are stacked against them.
One example of that is former No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr, who the team managed to land in one of the weakest NBA Draft's in recent memory.
Following his rookie season, many thought Sarr would be the next player that Washington wasted a pick on, especially when factoring in the bad luck the team has had in previous NBA Drafts.
Nonetheless, the sophomore leap from the two-way star has not only changed the narrative about himself, but the future of the Wizards as a whole.
Averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebpunds, 2.8 assists and 2.0 blocks per game, while shooting an efficient 49.6% from field goal range and 33.6% from beyond the arc, Sarr has emerged as one of the best young talents in the league.
Sarr has given the Wizards a cornerstone piece to build around and with the additions of Trae Young and Anthony Davis, the big man has the opportunity to be a key piece in what could be the next dangerous big three in the league.
Still, at one time many didn't believe that the French product would amount to half the player he is today after he struggled immensely throughout his rookie campaign.
Fortunately, long-time NBA coach and lead analyst for NBA on Prime Stan Van Gundy made it clear in a recent interview why Sarr was setup for success before even entering the league
Stan Van Gundy highlights advantage for European prospects
In a recent interview, Stan Van Gundy revealed why European prospects are more sure things than American prospects:
Stan Van Gundy says European prospects like Luka, Wemby, Zaccharie Risacher, and Alex Sarr are more sure things than American prospects because they’ve played against grown men and are more battle-tested
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) February 24, 2026
(🎥 @RunItBackFDTV )
pic.twitter.com/aA2XeQrlEX
Van Gundy's point is solid.
European prospects enter the league with years of experience playing against professional talent, including the likes of former NBA talent.
Looking at players like Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama and even Celtics' rookie Hugo Gonzalez, it's clear that playing overseas has it's perks.
Not to mention, it seems Charlotte Hornets' star LaMelo Ball would agree after spending his pre-NBA years in Lithuania.
Sarr was set up to succeed and based off his second-year leap, the big man is proving exactly that.