Wizards Select Alexandre Sarr with No. 2 Pick
The Washington Wizards made a significant move in the NBA draft on Wednesday night, selecting French center Alexandre Sarr with the second overall pick. Standing at 7 feet tall, Sarr joins the Wizards after a season with the Perth Wildcats in Australia and two years in the U.S. with Overtime Elite, a developmental league.
The Wizards, coming off a challenging season where they recorded just 15 wins, aimed to bolster their roster with size and potential. Their previous season's struggles, including a franchise-record number of losses, underscored the need for new talent to accelerate their rebuilding efforts.
This marks only the third time since 1979 that the Wizards have picked in the draft's top two. The franchise's last No. 2 pick, Wes Unseld in 1968, played a pivotal role in leading the team to a championship.
Sarr, known for his mobility and defensive prowess, showcased his skills in the 2023 G League Fall Invitational with a notable performance against NBA G League Ignite, where he recorded 26 points, 10 rebounds, six blocks, and three assists.
In his stint with the Perth Wildcats, Sarr averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in 27 appearances, playing an average of 17.3 minutes per game.
The Wizards also made headlines by agreeing to trade 23-year-old forward Deni Avdija to Portland for Malcolm Brogdon, the 14th overall pick in the draft, and a first-round pick in 2029. This deal provided Washington with additional assets and flexibility moving forward.
