The Washington Wizards are deep in the trenches of a rebuild - and so far, the road’s been as bumpy as expected, maybe even more so. Wins have been hard to come by, and the growing pains are real.
But even in a season filled with setbacks, there are flashes of promise. Two young players - Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George - are starting to carve out roles that could define the next era of Wizards basketball.
Let’s start with Sarr. The former No. 2 overall pick came into the league with sky-high expectations, and in year two, we’re finally seeing why Washington bet big on the French big man.
He’s showing real growth, both in terms of skill and confidence. He’s not just a project anymore - he’s starting to look like a foundational piece.
For a player with his length, athleticism, and defensive instincts, the offensive strides he’s made this season are a welcome sight. He’s becoming more comfortable with the ball in his hands, more decisive in the paint, and more impactful on both ends of the floor.
Still, let’s be honest - this kind of development from a No. 2 pick isn’t so much a surprise as it is a relief. When a team uses that kind of draft capital, they’re expecting a franchise cornerstone. And while Sarr’s path hasn’t been linear, the signs are there that he’s on the right track.
But if Sarr’s progression feels like a necessary step, Kyshawn George’s emergence has been a revelation.
George, a late first-rounder out of Miami, has quickly become one of the most intriguing young wings in the league. Through the early part of the season, he’s averaging 15.8 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game - and he’s doing it efficiently, shooting 47.9% from the field and a scorching 43.7% from deep. Those are serious numbers for a second-year player, especially one who wasn’t expected to make this kind of leap so soon.
What stands out most about George isn’t just the stats - it’s how he gets them. He’s not just spotting up and waiting for open looks.
He’s creating, facilitating, and making plays that suggest a much higher ceiling than most projected. His passing has been especially underrated, showing an ability to read defenses and find teammates that speaks to a high basketball IQ.
But here’s the catch - it only works when he’s aggressive.
That’s been the message from the Wizards’ coaching staff all season long: stay aggressive. When George is attacking, when he’s in rhythm and looking to make things happen, the offense hums. But when he fades into the background, the entire team feels it.
That was painfully clear in the Wizards’ recent blowout loss to the Indiana Pacers, a 119-86 defeat that ranks among the team’s worst of the season. George finished with just 5 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists, attempting only six shots all night. For a player who’s become a key offensive engine, that kind of passivity just can’t happen - especially when the team is already struggling to find consistent scoring options.
George has shown he can be a difference-maker. Now the challenge is consistency.
He has to recognize that the team needs him to be assertive, not just when things are going well, but especially when they’re not. That mindset shift - from complementary piece to offensive focal point - is a big one, but it’s part of the growth process for any young player with star potential.
For the Wizards, this season might not be about wins and losses. It’s about development, identity, and figuring out who’s going to be part of the long-term picture.
In Alex Sarr and Kyshawn George, they’ve got two young pieces worth building around. But for that to truly take shape, George has to keep his foot on the gas.
Because when he does, good things tend to follow.