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The Wizards have a chance to see a glimpse of Alex Sarr’s potential vs. Grizzlies

Alex Sarr has a chance to showcase his future with the Wizards against Memphis.

By John Canady

Oct 24, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (20) dunks the ball as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) looks on in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Oct 24, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards forward Alex Sarr (20) dunks the ball as Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) looks on in the first half at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images / Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
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The Washington Wizards are set to get back into action tonight against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night.

Washington enters this matchup at 2-4 as the team’s season is starting to unfold just how everyone imagined it would. With a rebuild in sight, the team already has a head start with plenty of young, talented players to start the movement in DC. 

One of the players the Wizards brass is most excited to watch grow is the team’s No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft this offseason, Alex Sarr. The French product entered the league as a raw prospect, and he’s shown flashes of what he could become over the first few weeks of play for Washington.

On Friday, the versatile forward will have the opportunity to compete against a player who drew the most player comparisons prior to Draft Day.

That said, the Wizards will have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Sarr going toe-to-toe with his player comp, while they also get a chance to see the caliber of player he could become.

Alex Sarr vs. Jaren Jackson Jr. could be the lookahead the Wizards need

Sarr was originally compared to Jaren Jackson Jr. ahead of the NBA Draft, and in large part due to his versatility on both sides of the floor. 

On offense, Sarr has the skillset to be a ball handler out of the frontcourt. Mixed with his improving jumper, underrated passing ability, and basketball IQ, the 19-year-old has all the tools to be a star in this league. 

Defensively, the big man is as impactful as they come, averaging 2.8 blocks per game. His tendencies to read the passing lanes while being a more than serviceable perimeter defender as well are only helping his comparisons to Jackson Jr.

Jackson Jr. is an NBA All-Star and a NBA Defensive Player of the Year award winner. A potential sign of what Sarr could be in the coming future. And if that is the case, the Wizards will be walking away with an absolute budding star with their top overall pick over the offseason.

The Michigan State product is averaging 17.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists over the course of his career, while shooting 46.3% from field goal range and 34.5% from three-point range. On the opposite side of the court, Jackson Jr. is averaging two blocks and one steal through his first seven seasons in the league.

If the Wizards rookie can develop into a player of Jackson Jr.'s caliber, it would be a huge boost to the rebuilding movement; general manager Will Dawkins is already in the midst of starting.

In addition to Sarr’s development, tonight’s matchup will put Washington in position to steal a win on the road if the young forward can limit the Grizzlies star production while also putting up an impressive performance himself.

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