Marcus Smart can already envision the final product once Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr puts it all together. Sarr has experienced some growing pains in his first season in the NBA. He's averaging 12.5 points per game through 52 contests, which ranks second among rookies just behind Stephon Castle. But the Frenchman has struggled with efficiency, shooting just 39.3% from the field and 32.3% from beyond the arc. At just 19 years old, there's no surprise that the slender 7-footer has had trouble scoring against grown men. He's been slightly further along on the defensive end, averaging 1.6 blocks per contest.
Despite getting pushed around by the bigger bodies around the league at times, Sarr's defensive potential has been undeniable. Last week, the former Defensive Player of the Year spoke to Monumental Sports' Chase Hughes about Sarr's defensive abilities. "You can't teach his size, first of all," Smart said of Sarr. "His size and athleticism; he doesn't move like a big. That helps him. I definitely like his defense. Obviously, he's young and he's got a lot to go, but he's on the right track. He's definitely on the right track. Once he fully understands his size and what he can do, I think he'll be a nightmare."
Sarr has swatted 14 shots over his last seven games, including a four-block outing in a 129-125 win against the Detroit Pistons on March 13. In that contest, the young Wizards center got the game-sealing block, stuffing All-Star Cade Cunningham at the rim. However, Sarr still has plenty of room for growth on the defensive end, and the first order of business in the summer is getting in the weight room. It's clear that his ceiling as a rim-protector is higher than any Wizards prospect in recent memory. Having Smart in Sarr's ear this early in the rookie's career is a huge bonus to help him get there.
Meanwhile, Marcus Smart has been equally invested in developing fellow rookie Carlton ‘Bub’ Carrington. The 6’4” guard has shown promise, averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists over 67 games. Marcus Smart is sharing advice with Carrington, urging him to adopt a tenacious defensive mindset. "Bub, hometown, baby. Homegrown. Bub is a guy and I tell Bub this all the time: 'You've gotta be a pest, you've gotta be a pest.' Guards gotta hate being guarded by you, bringing the ball up and playing against you, because again, another guy who is athletic," Smart emphasized.
Smart, having won a championship with the Boston Celtics, understands what it takes to succeed in the NBA and aims to instill that belief in Carrington. "I think he just needs to continue to have more confidence in himself and understand that you're here for a reason, you can do this and keep going," Smart added. With Carrington’s background as the 14th overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2024 NBA Draft, the hope is that he can develop quickly in Washington.
The former Celtics guard embodies a dual role; not only is he a defender, but he is crucial in guiding the younger players towards realizing their potential. Acquired via trade for Deni Avdija alongside Malcolm Brogdon, Smart's presence on the Wizards roster has analysts believing the team is taking a positive step toward playoff contention.
With the outlook so positive, the focus has shifted to the growth of Sarr and Carrington. Smart’s mentorship promises to shape their development in a league where experience often trumps youth. As the season continues and the playoffs approach, both rookies are central to the Wizards' future aspirations. With Smart leading the way, the Wizards look to blend their fresh talent with the intensity and experience that come with a veteran mindset, setting the stage for an exciting and potentially successful run in the NBA.
