The Washington Wizards are knee-deep in a full-scale rebuild, and while the win-loss column doesn’t offer much to cheer about, the talent development pipeline is starting to show real promise. After years of hovering in NBA limbo, the franchise has shifted its focus toward youth, upside, and long-term growth - and two names are quickly rising to the top of that conversation: Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George.
Let’s start with Sarr. The former No. 2 overall pick came into the league with lofty expectations, especially in a 2024 draft class that, by most accounts, lacked a surefire superstar.
But Sarr has quietly carved out a lane for himself. He’s already showing flashes of the two-way potential that made him such a coveted prospect - a mobile big with shot-blocking instincts and an emerging offensive game.
While some rookies take time to find their footing, Sarr’s been steady, and that’s no small thing on a team still figuring out its identity.
But the real surprise this season? That would be Kyshawn George.
The Miami product has taken a leap - and not just the kind you expect from a second-year player finding his rhythm. George is playing like someone who’s ready now.
Through the early part of the season, he’s averaging 15.2 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, shooting a scorching 45.8% from the field and an even more impressive 43.9% from deep. Those numbers don’t just suggest growth - they scream breakout.
George’s combination of size, vision, and feel for the game has made him one of the brightest spots in D.C. basketball this year. He’s playing with confidence, reading the floor like a veteran, and showing off a versatile skill set that fits the modern NBA wing archetype. In a different situation - say, on a team with established structure and playoff aspirations - George might already be turning heads on a national level.
But here’s the catch: the Wizards aren’t there yet.
This is a team still in the early stages of a rebuild, juggling minutes between multiple young prospects, experimenting with lineups, and taking their lumps along the way. That’s part of the process. But it also means that players like George, who may be ready to contribute at a higher level, are sometimes caught in the developmental crossfire.
There’s a real argument to be made that Washington’s current state is slowing George’s ascent. He’s ahead of schedule, and the team around him isn’t quite ready to meet him there.
The inconsistency, the lack of structure, the growing pains - all of it can make it harder for a young player to fully unlock their potential. And that’s a tough pill to swallow when you’ve got someone who looks like a legitimate building block.
The same goes for Sarr. These two might be the cornerstones of the next great Wizards team, but until the roster around them matures - or until Washington brings in veterans who can stabilize the floor - their development could be capped.
Still, there’s no denying the upside. George and Sarr are giving Wizards fans something real to believe in.
The flashes aren’t just flashes anymore - they’re forming a foundation. And while the road ahead is long, it’s starting to feel like Washington might finally be on the right track.
The key now? Surrounding these young talents with the right pieces to help them grow - and eventually, to win. Because if the Wizards can get that part right, this rebuild might just turn into something special.