In the Washington Wizards’ season opener against Milwaukee, Alex Sarr started at center but was outperformed by Deandre Ayton, according to the source. Sarr played 24 minutes—the lowest among the starting five—and finished with six points, nine rebounds, and two assists on three of nine shooting. The Wizards were outscored by four points when Sarr was on the court.
In contrast, Ayton contributed 11 points, four rebounds, and two blocks in 15 minutes off the bench, shooting five of six from the field. The Wizards outscored Milwaukee by six points when Ayton played. The performance suggests the team is willing to lean on veterans despite having acquired them via trade.
Sarr and Anthony Davis struggled together as a frontcourt pairing, posting a negative 4.5 net rating over 21 minutes with a 110.4 offensive rating. However, when Davis played as the lone big man for nine minutes, the Wizards had a plus-58.9 net rating, indicating Davis prefers playing center despite wanting to play power forward primarily.
The coaching staff did not pair Sarr with Ayton in the opener, suggesting both players are viewed as centers. Sarr played just under four minutes as the lone big man, and the Wizards recorded a 33.3 offensive rating in those minutes—a likely reason for the brief stint.
The Wizards prioritized veteran playing time in their win. Trae Young led the team with 38 minutes, Davis played 34, and Ayton received 15. By contrast, younger players saw limited action: Sarr got 24 minutes, Tre Johnson and Bub Carrington played under 20, and Kyshawn George and Bilal Coulibaly—both starters—did not crack 30 minutes.
According to the source, this veteran-first approach signals clear expectations for Sarr. The 21-year-old must improve his offensive efficiency and shooting to earn more playing time. If his production does not improve, his minutes could continue to decline in a franchise focused on making the playoffs rather than continuing their rebuild.
Key facts
- Sarr, the 2024 second overall pick, scored six points on three of nine shooting in 24 minutes in the season opener
- Deandre Ayton scored 11 points on five of six shooting in 15 bench minutes
- The Wizards posted a negative-4.5 net rating with Sarr and Anthony Davis paired for 21 minutes
- When Davis played as the lone big man for nine minutes, the Wizards had a plus-58.9 net rating
- Trae Young played a team-high 38 minutes, with Anthony Davis playing 34 minutes
- The Wizards recorded a 33.3 offensive rating when Sarr played as the lone big man in under four minutes