The Washington Wizards have been a team in transition to start 2026, reshuffling their roster with an eye toward the future. But through all the movement, one thing has remained steady: the emergence of a promising young core.
At the heart of that group is Alex Sarr, who’s been turning heads with his two-way impact. Unfortunately, that momentum will hit a brief pause.
Sarr is expected to miss approximately two weeks with a right hamstring strain, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. The timing isn’t ideal-he’ll miss the Rising Stars game during All-Star Weekend-but it could’ve been worse. With the break built into the schedule, Sarr has a chance to recover without the Wizards losing too much ground in terms of games played.
And let’s be clear: Sarr has been putting together a quietly impressive rookie campaign. He’s one of just three players in the league currently averaging at least 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game-a rare blend of scoring, rebounding, and rim protection that’s hard to come by, especially from a first-year player. His presence on both ends has been a bright spot for a Wizards team that’s still figuring out its identity.
Injuries, though, have become a recurring theme in D.C. this season-especially among the veterans. Trae Young, who arrived via trade earlier this year, still hasn’t suited up for the Wizards.
He’s rehabbing MCL and quad injuries in the same leg and won’t be re-evaluated until after the All-Star break. Whether or not he plays this season remains an open question, but his absence has certainly created a void in the backcourt.
Then there’s Anthony Davis, another high-profile addition who’s also on the mend. He injured his hand during his time with the Mavericks, and while there was some speculation that he might be shut down for the season, the Wizards have pushed back on that. Their stance is clear: once he’s healthy, they expect him to play.
In the meantime, the silver lining here is opportunity. With Sarr temporarily out and both Young and Davis still sidelined, Washington’s young players are logging serious minutes-and that’s invaluable. Development doesn’t always happen in a straight line, but game reps matter, especially for a team that’s building for the long haul.
The Wizards may not be stacking wins right now, but they’re stacking experience. And in a season that’s been more about growth than contention, that might be just as important.