Alex Sarr entered his sophomore season with a goal to not only prove the Washington Wizards right, but to prove all of his doubters wrong.
Following his inconsistent rookie season, many people were ready to label the big man as a bust.
Between his inefficient play, struggles in areas that most players of his position should thrive in and considering the fact he was the reigning No. 2 overall pick, it's easy to understand why the overwhelming reviews for Sarr were that the Wizards wasted yet another high draft pick.
Considering the team's history with draft picks, it was hard to combat those claims.
Fortunately for Washington, the need to combat those claims don't seem necessary at this point in time.
In fact. Sam Vecenie, who put Sarr at No. 11 in his 2024 NBA Re-Draft has made it clear that the forward's start to the season has made him regret writing him off too soon.
In a recent episode of the Game Theory podcast, Vecenie praised the big man's turnaround.
"I hated his rookie season, to be honest," Vecenie said. "I did not think he was particularly good outside of some passing flashes"
"The bigger thing with Sarr is he's playing much more aggressively...on the offensive end, he is so much more aggressive and willing to use his physicality to get to the rim, it's like watching a completely different player."
Vecenie notes some concerns defensively for Sarr's defensive game, but considering he's in a class of his own with Victor Wembanyama courtesy of his defensive versatility, that should be the least of fans worries.
Sarr is averaging 18.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists on the season, while shooting 52.7% from field goal range and 34.5% from beyond the arc.
Not only does the Wizards 7-footer look like a premiere frontcourt talent, but he looks like a player the Wizards can build around for years to come.
Considering his work ethic, talent and skillset, it's easy to see why the Wizards were content betting on his potential when selecting him atop his respective draft class.
Rome wasn't built in a day and based on Sarr's start to the season, the forward's play is doing enough talking for everyone who took the time to defend him after his rookie woes.
Regardless of his early struggles, where things stand today suggest that Sarr has the tools to be a big time star for the Wizards.