The Washington Wizards put together yet another abysmal regular season as the team continues to take steps towards the future with a much-needed rebuild.
Though this season was without a doubt a rough watch for the fanbase, it was a pivotal year of development for the team's young core focused around reigning No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr and fellow lottery selection Bub Carrington.
Heading into the year, adding the likes of Sarr, Carrington and even Kyshawn George around former lottery pick Bilal Coulibaly, it was clear that the team's youth movement was the priority.
However along the way, rookie woes made many wonder if the Wizards draft decisions last offseason were the right ones, especially considering that the move to essentially land Carrington cost them Deni Avdija, who flourished this past season in Portland.
Nonetheless, if there was ever any news to make you feel better about the Wizards draft gamble last offseason, it should be the fact that the team's rookie duo just inked their names in the organization's history books in year one.
Wizards rookie duo named to All-NBA Rookie Teams
Alex Sarr's start to his NBA career immediately drew concerns with his horrid start in NBA Summer League. Fast forward to the regular season, the French product quickly showed flashes that changed the tune of the fanbase with his two-way versatility as both a dynamic offensive player and defensive anchor for the Wizards.
The 7-footer has plenty to work on this summer, including his efficiency from the field, more specifially the paint. Despite that, he clearly showed enough promise that basketball minds around the league voted him to the 2024-25 KIA NBA All-Rookie First Team.
Sarr becomes the first Wizards rookie to earn All-Rookie First Team honors since Bradley Beal in 2012-13.
Sarr wasn't the only rookie to be awarded this honor. Fellow lottery pick Bub Carrington showed enough flashes throughout his rookie campaign to be awarded to the KIA All-Rookie Second Team.
Both of these young players earning these awards is a win of its own, especially when you look back and reflect on the team's draft day gamble to not only take the risk on Sarr, but to also see Carrington on this list only makes fans feel better about losing out on Avdija.
In addition to that, the Wizards rookie duo becomes just the second pair of rookies to make All-Rookie teams in the same season since 1963-64.
A sign that the Wizards future is heading in the right direction.