The Washington Wizards are navigating a tumultuous season filled with highs and lows, as they focus on developing their young core while gearing up for a crucial offseason. The team's progress has largely centered on Alex Sarr, who the Wizards selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the NBA Draft last offseason. Sarr, entering the season amid high expectations, faced significant challenges right from the start.
Initially, Sarr struggled during the NBA Summer League, experiencing difficulties with fouling and showcasing limited offensive capabilities. These concerns transitioned into the regular season, where his performance remained below the team's needs. With a field goal percentage that weighed down the team and an inability to make an impact in the paint, Sarr's rookie season began to raise questions about his future as a cornerstone player.
However, recent weeks have marked a turning point for Sarr. Following a wave of media criticism regarding his play, Sarr seemed to respond positively, gathering momentum and shaking off the doubts surrounding him. Over the last two weeks leading to March 21, 2025, Sarr strung together a series of respectable performances, proving his critics wrong. In his last three games, he scored over 20 points each time, culminating in a career night against the Denver Nuggets when he recorded 34 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. His shooting was impressive as well, boasting a 42.9% success rate from the field and 55.6% from three-point range.
Despite Sarr's individual success, the Wizards faced adversity in their recent game against the Orlando Magic, struggling to capitalize on their opportunities. The Wizards suffered a discouraging loss, shooting just 14 for 48 (29.2 percent) during the second and third quarters and trailing by as much as 33 points. This defeat marked their third consecutive loss, dropping their record to a disappointing 15-54. As they fall to the bottom of the league standings, they find themselves competing with the Utah Jazz for a better chance in the upcoming NBA lottery.
Amid the chaos of the season, Sarr continued to stand out, leading the Wizards with 19 points and 10 rebounds in the loss against the Magic. Wizards Coach Brian Keefe spoke highly of Sarr's development, stating, "When you put in the time, the effort in all areas, your game will improve, and [Sarr is] a great example of that. He started this back in July with us, and he’s continued to build every day. And now you’re seeing progress on the court." This encouragement from the coaching staff underscores the importance of Sarr's growth for the Wizards' future.
Compounding the team’s difficulties, rookie guard Bub Carrington is coping with a personal tragedy. Carrington's father, Carlton Carrington II, a well-respected AAU coach in Baltimore, passed away on March 20, 2025, just prior to the matchup against the Magic. Known affectionately as "Big Bub," he was recognized for his dedication to nurturing young talent in the community. His passing struck a chord with Carrington, who played 26 minutes in the game, demonstrating resilience despite scoring only two points and dishing out three assists.
The Carrington family released a heartfelt statement: "While deeply heartbroken over the loss of Big Bub Carrington, we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support that we’ve received. Big Bub was the heart and soul of our family. He was a pillar in the community as someone who dedicated his life to serving others. We take comfort in knowing that he lived life to the fullest and made it his mission to positively impact his community each and every day. We will miss his spirit, but know his legacy will live on in all the lives he touched." The Wizards organization expressed their condolences, highlighting Carrington's contribution to the team and his character as a rising star.
As if the challenges of the season were not enough, Saddiq Bey is also working on his return from a torn left ACL. Bey, who joined the Wizards after signing a three-year, $20 million contract in July 2024, has not played since his injury over a year ago. On March 21, 2025, he took a significant step forward by practicing with the Wizards' G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go. Coach Keefe noted this opportunity was necessary for Bey, as the Wizards have been forced to lighten their practice schedule due to a condensed calendar. "That was a great opportunity for him to get some good reps, get up and down a little bit and get some more movement with more bodies," Keefe explained.
With the end of the season approaching, the Wizards are aware that the offseason holds significant implications for their future. Alex Sarr’s recent performances may provide a silver lining during a disappointing year, offering hope that in the long run, the franchise can develop a competitive roster built around emerging stars. As they navigate the tumultuous waters of rebuilding, the Wizards remain committed to finding the right balance of nurturing their young talent while responding to the immense challenges that come with a hard-fought season.
