Wizards' Center Alex Sarr Ramps Up Recovery Ahead of Year Three

Star Washington Wizards center Alex Sarr took the next step in his road to recovery on Monday.

Ahead of the official start of year three, Sarr returned to live contact during Monday's preseason practice and told local media that he was a participant for most of the drills, including live contact during five-on-five. Head coach Brian Keefe clarified that Sarr was not a full participant on Monday, instead highlighting he remains in the "ramp up phase" while also confirming Sarr participated in five-on-five.

"After being on the sidelines for months, just excited to get back out there and be with the guys, get our chemistry going, get to know how to play with [Anthony Davis], AJ [Dybantsa], Trae [Young] and all the new guys we have," he said.

Sarr was diagnosed with a fractured right foot during a workout back in mid-June, derailing his offseason after his second season was shut down due to injury. Sarr was announced as a partial participant to begin training camp with the expectation that he will be cleared ahead of when the Milwaukee Bucks arrive at Capital One Arena on Opening Night, Oct. 21. He is one of a handful who have been limited to open the season alongside Khris Middleton, Tristan Vukcevic and Jamir Watkins.

The former second overall pick is coming off an encouraging season where he showcased his second year jump despite playing in just 48 games. Sarr was one of two players to play in at least 40 games and average two blocks, joining Spurs' Victor Wembanyama, while improving in every statistical category and shooting nearly nine percent from the field compared to his rookie season. Sarr ended the 2025-26 regular season averaging 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and two blocks in 27 minutes per game.

Now, Sarr steps into an opportunity where he serves as one of the integral pieces in the frontcourt alongside Davis and Deandre Ayton, a centerpiece in the Wizards' commitment to defense with the added size reason for confidence that it comes to fruition.

Sarr is expected to start at center for the third consecutive season with Trae Young, Anthony Davis and AJ Dybantsa joining him while Kyshawn George looks to win the preseason competition with Tre Johnson and Bilal Coulibaly as the fifth starter.

Whether Sarr suits up, or how much he plays, in the first preseason game on Thursday night remains to be seen as head coach Brian Keefe previously cautioned the staff will finalize the lineup and rotation in the days ahead of tipoff.

The Wizards will travel to New York to face the Knicks for the first preseason game on Thursday, Oct. 8. Tipoff is set for 7:30 PM.