Wizards' Alex Sarr Returning to Form After Offseason Surgery

The Washington Wizards had all three big men available in only one of its three preseasons game, though head coach Brian Keefe noted the rotational pieces are expected to play more in Friday night's finale against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Yet the lack of availability isn't a sign of early concern. Anthony Davis was inactive for Monday's loss against the Brooklyn Nets, while Alex Sarr was steadily progressing from his offseason injury before making his preseason debut in the eventual overtime win over the Detroit Pistons.

After totaling eight points one rebound and four fouls in under 20 minutes of action in game one, Sarr followed it up with a more productive outing against the Nets after totaling six points and nine rebounds. The downside is Sarr shot 30% from the field, totaled five fouls and tied AJ Dybantsa for the second-most turnovers on the team.

Sarr is coming off year two improving in every major statistical category from his rookie season, enough to draw votes among NBA general managers for breakout players in 2026-27. 2025-26 also validated Sarr's rim protection after ranking second in the league, adding intrigue to what the frontcourt pairing with Anthony Davis can blossom into. For now, he's settling into game speed as Sarr is averaging 4.5 points, four rebounds and 2.5 turnovers while shooting 40% from the field and 1-of-6 from three through two preseason games.

After playing 23 minutes on Monday night, whether Sarr plays more than that as he ramps up is the question that head coach Brian Keefe will determine as the third-year center noted he's getting his wind back and in rhythm, adjusting to the physicality and pace while "letting the game come to me."

Part of Sarr's adjustment is learning to play with newer teammates, like Trae Young, who Sarr described as a point guard who adds "different solutions" to the Wizards' half court offense after the two shared the floor in four games in 2025-26. Another part of it is figuring out ideal floor spacing with his new teammates with film giving a chance for Sarr and his teammates to unlock the new double big identity that head coach Brian Keefe can now deploy.

Head coach Brian Keefe pointed to Sarr's international basketball experience that adds to his defensive versatility and matchup assignment possibilities while Deandre Ayton noted his teammate's "upside is crazy." The 7-footer with a 7-foot-4 wingspan is a big of the Wizards' defensive turnaround efforts with less than one week until it will be tested in the regular season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks.

Until then, Friday night offers a chance the Wizards to test that against a Pelicans' frontcourt anchored by Derik Queen and Yves Messi, while Julian Reese could face off against his former team for the first time since being traded. Still, the matchup gives Washington a chance to control the boards in the third preseason game.