Despite another loss on Sunday night, the Washington Wizards are showcasing their young talents as they navigate through the early 2025 NBA season. The Wizards fell to the New Orleans Pelicans 110-98, with promising performances from their rookie class, including Alexandre Sarr and Bilal Coulibaly.
Even though the game didn’t end in their favor, Sarr, selected second overall by the Wizards last year, shone brightly. He recorded 18 points on 6 for 9 shooting, including three 3-pointers, and grabbed 11 rebounds, marking his fourth double-double of the season. "It’s the best thing for their development at the end of the day," said veteran forward Kyle Kuzma. His sentiments reflect the team’s broader strategy to prioritize the growth of their young players
While Sarr filled the stat sheet, it was not enough to counter the collective struggle of the team, especially with key players like Bilal Coulibaly and Jordan Poole sidelined. Coulibaly, the Wizards' seventh overall pick who impressed last season, has been viewed as part of the franchise's hope for the future. This season, he's continuing to refine his game, averaging 3.6 assists with increased usage on the court. Coach Keefe noted this growth, emphasizing the importance of every game as a learning experience for the young roster.
The Pelicans had their stars shining as well, with CJ McCollum contributing 25 points, and Dejounte Murray notching a triple-double with 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 12 assists. The Wizards' struggles were also echoed by their previous loss against the Pelicans just two days earlier, where they lost 132-120.
What’s apparent through these games is the Wizards' commitment to developing their young roster. Pablo Keefe, the Wizards' coach, noted, "Each new game is a new learning experience for them, and they’re processing and putting [the information]into their brains." The team is emphasizing on-court experience over the traditional methods of getting players ready for the league, which is reflected by virtual play-calls and free-flowing ball movement.
Third-year player Kyle Kuzma is vocal about the shift the team is undergoing. "These guys are getting the ball a lot and having live game reps. … That’s how you getbetter. … You can only get so muchbetter [inpractice]. You have to go out ina game and be confident and do it," Kuzma explained. This commitment to live-game scenarios is pivotal as the youngsters get acclimated to the rigors of the NBA.
Additionally, the offensive structure allows players to adapt fluidly, as they work on developing their skills and chemistry together. For example, Sarr has managed to tie his career high with five assists during this season, showcasing his ability to engage with teammates effectively. An overall emphasis is placed on awareness, spacing, and reading defenses, which is integral for their development.
Despite the mounting losses, the Wizards remain optimistic for the future of their franchise. They understand the importance of patience at this stage. The focus now is on nurturing their young core, which promises potential stars, including the likes of Sarr and Coulibaly, who are shown to have the talent to shape the future of the team.
The turnaround for the Wizards may not happen overnight, but the organization's rebuilding philosophy coupled with youthful energy offers glimpses of hope. The upcoming games, starting with their matchup against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday night, are seen not just as opportunities for improvement on the scoreboard, but also as platforms for valuable experience and growth for their developing players.
Fans are encouraged to keep their heads up, as this rebuilding season offers not just losses, but the promise of what is to come as their young prospects get more accustomed to the jumps and rigors of playing professional basketball.