The Best Front Court in the NBA Could Reside in D.C.

Unless you are the Golden State Warriors, having a dominant front court is one of the most essential aspects in winning basketball. 

The defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder have Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein. The 2024-25 Indiana Pacers had Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner lead them to the finals. The San Antonio Spurs dynasty was led by Tim Duncan and other elite role players. 

Point is, all the best contending teams in the NBA need to have a strong front court in order to find playoff success. 

The Washington Wizards haven't won a playoff game in 1,717 days, but after acquiring superstars Trae Young and Anthony Davis, fans in D.C. have hope, once again. 

By adding Anthony Davis to an already promising young roster, Washington has now formed one of the BEST front courts in the NBA. 

By pairing Davis with sophomore breakout center Alex Sarr, Washington could have the best defensive front court in the league. 

Going into the 2024 NBA Draft, Sarr was considered as the best prospect in that class due to his high upside as an offensive engine, and elite defensive traits. 

Standing at 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, Sarr excelled at being a rim protector and switchable perimeter defender throughout his time with Overtime Elite and the Perth Wildcats of the NBL. 

Sarr seemingly forced his way to Washington at number two overall, as he and his team believed Washington would be a better fit for him and his development. 

Sarr had an up and down rookie season, struggling with finding consistent efficiency on the offensive end. However, Sarr's calling card was and will always be his defense. 

In 2024-25, Sarr led all rookies with 1.5 blocks per game, further displaying his elite rim protection at a young age. 

Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and Sarr has elevated every aspect of his game. 

Sarr increased his scoring average by 4.2 points, rebounding average by 1.3, field goal percentage by 10.2%, three point percentage by 2.8%, and blocks per game by 0.5. 

Sarr's per game average of two blocks a game is tied for second best in the NBA, only behind Victor Wembanyama. 

The sophomore has already entered elite rim protector status, as he is right there with Chet Holmgren, Evan Mobley and Rudy Gobert. 

By adding a former defensive player of the year award winner in Davis alongside Sarr will only help Washington's lack of defense going forward. 

Davis leads the NBA in total blocks since being drafted in 2012 with 1,848. 

Although Davis has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career, he is still one of the best interior defenders in the association. 

Davis' career 104.5 career defensive net rating is sixth best amongst active NBA power forwards and centers, slightly behind elite defenders Rudy Gobert and Andre Drummond. 

Davis excels when playing the power forward position, and Sarr when playing center -- a match made in heaven. 

By pairing these two together, it gives Washington an advantage over other teams. That being having two ELITE, switchable defenders who both happen to be 7-feet tall.

This duo could arguably be the best front court in the NBA next season, but they have ways to go as Davis' health is a crucial aspect for Washington to have any future success.