Two of the Wizards’ prized rookies added to their trophy shelves on Tuesday. Center Alex Sarr was named to the All-Rookie first team, while guard Bub Carrington made the second team.
The duo became just the second pair of Washington players to make All-Rookie teams in the same season. Gus Johnson and Rod Thorn received the honor as Baltimore Bullets in 1964. Sarr and Carrington were the Wizards’ first All-Rookie selections since the 2019-20 season.
Sarr was a near-lock to make the team after finishing fourth in the league’s Rookie of the Year voting. The No. 2 pick in last year’s draft averaged 13 points, 6.5 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He is the only rookie in franchise history to average more than 10 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block per game.
The Frenchman became the third rookie in NBA history to convert more than 100 three-pointers, block 100 shots and create 100 assists.
Though Sarr struggled to find his offensive rhythm, he made an immediate impact as a versatile defender.
The All-Rookie first team also featured San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle, Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (who was one vote away from unanimous status) and Memphis Grizzlies teammates Jaylen Wells and Zach Edey.
Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware, Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis, New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi and Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan joined Carrington on the second team.
Carrington appeared in all 82 games for the Wizards, acting as a spark plug and emotional leader for the young squad. His promising rookie campaign saw the Baltimore native contribute 9.8 points per game with 4.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists. Carrington led all rookies in minutes per game, while finishing second in assists per game and assists-to-turnover ratio.
“There was a reason I started him from Day 1: because of his personality,” Wizards coach Brian Keefe said of Carrington last month. “His competitiveness, his joy for the game. I felt like we really needed that as an organization from the get-go.”
The Wizards will look to add another crop of impactful rookies at next month’s draft. Washington holds the sixth and 18th selections in the first round.
— This article is based in part on wire service reports.