The Washington Wizards may not be current championship contenders, but their future is certainly looking bright. The selection of Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Bilal Coulibaly to the 2025 Castrol Rising Stars Game roster as part of NBA All-Star Weekend is a testament to the team’s promising young core.
This is the first time in franchise history the team is sending three players to the game and Coulibaly becomes Washington’s fourth-ever two-time participant. For a franchise amid a rebuild, having three players chosen for one of the league’s premier showcases of young talent is a strong indication that the Wizards are on the right track.
A Rising Young Core
Each of these three players has carved out a significant role for Washington this season, demonstrating the potential to be key pieces in the team’s long-term success.
Alex Sarr is showing why he was one of the most highly touted prospects in his class. Sarr holds averages of 11.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.6 blocks per game in 41 starts this season. Drafted second overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, he ranks in the top 5 among rookies in points (fourth), rebounds (fourth), and blocks (second). Sarr has notched 20 multi-block games on the season, the most among rookies, and has combined for 91 total steals and blocks, the second-most among rookies. He is also the only rookie this season, and is only the fourth rookie since 2020, to average at least 10.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks per game.
Bub Carrington, a Baltimore native and 14th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft, has been a pleasant surprise for Washington. Carrington has played in 45 games (34 starts) this season, averaging 8.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He became the youngest starter in franchise history on Oct. 24 against the Boston Celtics at just 19 years and 95 days old. He is also the only rookie this season, and just the third in franchise history, averaging at least 8.0 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. Carrington leads all rookies with 29.8 minutes per game and his 173 total assists and 71 made threes each rank second.
Bilal Coulibaly, now in his second NBA season, continues to blossom. Coulibaly has started in 41 games in his second NBA season, averaging 12.4 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.4 assists, and 1.4 steals per game – all improvements over his rookie campaign. Coulibaly has topped 15+ points in 18 games this season, more than doubling his total from 2023-24 (7). He is also one of three sophomores to amass 100+ steals and 80+ blocks since the start of last season, joining Amen Thompson and Victor Wembanyama. Coulibaly has twice scored a career-high 27 points this season (Oct. 30 vs. Atlanta and Dec. 13 at Cleveland) and tallied 1,000 career points on Jan. 23 at the Los Angeles Clippers.
A Changing Narrative for the Wizards
In recent years, the Wizards have struggled to find an identity, cycling through different rosters without much postseason success. However, the presence of Sarr, Carrington, and Coulibaly in the Rising Stars Game represents a shift in the team’s trajectory. Rather than chasing quick fixes, Washington is investing in young talent, prioritizing player development, and building a sustainable foundation for long-term success.
If Sarr, Carrington, and Coulibaly (as well as Kyshawn George) continue to develop and the front office makes the right moves, Washington could soon transition from a rebuilding squad to a legitimate playoff contender.
For now, the 2025 Rising Stars Game will serve as an exciting preview of what’s to come. Wizards fans have been looking for reasons to believe in the future, and the selection of these three rising stars is one of the clearest signs yet that better days are ahead in D.C.