{"id":2732,"date":"2024-07-18T19:32:43","date_gmt":"2024-07-18T19:32:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/?p=2732"},"modified":"2024-08-29T03:23:01","modified_gmt":"2024-08-29T03:23:01","slug":"summer-league-first-impressions-of-wizards-2024-draft-picks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/2024\/07\/18\/summer-league-first-impressions-of-wizards-2024-draft-picks\/","title":{"rendered":"Summer League: First impressions of Wizards 2024 draft picks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Washington Wizards are a team to watch at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/summer-league\/2024\">NBA Summer League<\/a> in Las Vegas with three first round draft picks participating which isn&#8217;t a common circumstance for the Wizards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As Wizards Summer League Coach Cody Toppert noted, opponents are trying to take their \u201clunch money\u201d with all eyes on the team&#8217;s assortment of draft picks. After being on site for their first two games, here are our quick impressions of <a href=\"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/2024\/06\/28\/wizards-select-alex-sarr-and-other-top-prospects-in-2024-nba-draft\/\">Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Alex Sarr\u2019s offensive development will take time&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft, the spotlight has automatically been shining on Alex Sarr. That\u2019s the main reason the Wizards were a part of the featured game kicking off Summer League on Friday night against the Hawks. Everyone wanted to see firsthand No. 1 pick Zachary Risacher and Sarr. It took some time for Sarr to heat up but once he did, he showed off his defensive prowess and ability to make things happen offensively. He finished with 12 pts, 4 assists, 7 rebounds and 2 blocks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Wizards #2 draft pick Alex Sarr will make his Summer League debut tonight vs. the Atlanta Hawks on ESPN at 9:30 pm. Spoke to him at shootaround about finally practicing with some of his teammates &amp; what he\u2019s looking forward to. <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ForTheDistrict?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#ForTheDistrict<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/dbltakesports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">@dbltakesports<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/J2CT6vuMKI\">pic.twitter.com\/J2CT6vuMKI<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CaritaCParks\/status\/1811888697312444560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 12, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the opening game, Sarr\u2019s offense has taken a step back, but he has remained active defensively. He finished against the Houston Rockets with 8 pts, 2 assists, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks. His most alarming performance was on Tuesday vs. Portland where he did not score a field goal. Sarr\u2019s stat line included 0 pts (15 field goal attempts), 3 assists, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Wizards general manager Will Dawkins has made it clear that Sarr is a defensive guy and they expect his offense to come along in due time: \u201c<br><br>It\u2019s hard to judge the total package in Summer League so fans should not jump to conclusions. The more Sarr plays, the more comfortable he will become which is why the Wizards signed Jonas Valanciunas. This will allow Sarr to naturally come along in the NBA.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bub Carrington is a blossoming superstar<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At just 19 years old, Bub Carrington is commanding the floor at Summer League. His dominance may be the biggest surprise out of all three draft picks. Carrington has a confidence that is impressive to watch in person. He\u2019s physical, vocal, and isn\u2019t afraid to take chances. With two more games left in Summer League, he has stood out in each matchup thus far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">I said the Wizards need a dawg. They might have one with Bub Carrington. Only time will tell\u2026 <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/BkizgfO5I3\">pic.twitter.com\/BkizgfO5I3<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Carita Parks (@CaritaCParks) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/CaritaCParks\/status\/1811954699605807112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 13, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Carrington started off strong in the first game against Atlanta, draining an immediate 3-pointer on the game\u2019s opening possession with his parents and grandparents watching from the stands. On the next possession, he drew a foul and made both free throws. He went on to finish with 19 pts, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists to help lead the Wizards to victory.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We asked Carrington what he took away from the game that he will carry forward in Summer League. He ended his response with \u201cit\u2019s only up from here.\u201d That has proven to be true. He went on to score 18 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds against Houston, and 20 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds vs. Portland.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Carrington seems to be a blossoming superstar and that\u2019s what the Wizards need on their roster.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Wizards Bub Carrington will play in his third <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NBA2KSummerLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#NBA2KSummerLeague<\/a> game tonight. We spoke to him about what he is learning and carrying forward to other games: \u201cIt\u2019s more physical at this level and you have to get used to the speed of the game but it\u2019s only up from here.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/FyfdrdCOVf\">pic.twitter.com\/FyfdrdCOVf<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Double Take Sports (@dbltakesports) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/dbltakesports\/status\/1813365365235396878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 17, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Kyshawn George is showing slow and steady improvement&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kyshawn George doesn\u2019t necessarily have the same command as Carrington nor are the expectations as huge as Sarr. However, George has been consistent with his contributions in each game. You can tell he is eager&nbsp;to learn and adjust. He can quickly identify where he needs to get better and seems committed to making changes.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, in the game against Houston, George had six turnovers. You could tell he was frustrated and George noted after the matchup that he &#8220;turned the ball over too much.\u201d In the next game vs. Portland, he cleaned up those mistakes with only two turnovers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Overall, he has finished each game with 7 points (vs. ATL), 14 points (vs. HOU), and 6 points (vs. POR). He may not be flashy but he is making necessary contributions and that\u2019s what matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>George is coming along slow and steady. But he is a player that the Wizards can be patient with. The reps he is getting at Summer League will only make him better.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Wizards Kyshawn George is getting plenty of experience in <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NBA2KSummerLeague?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#NBA2KSummerLeague<\/a>. Here is his perspective on the value of these games: \u201cIt gets you reps, it gets you to know your teammates better and feel the rhythm of the game.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/NBA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">#NBA<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/e8y7krzx7F\">pic.twitter.com\/e8y7krzx7F<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Double Take Sports (@dbltakesports) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/dbltakesports\/status\/1813370336244588785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\">July 17, 2024<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Wizards are a team to watch at NBA Summer League with three first round picks participating. Double Take Sports was on site in Vegas for opening weekend. Here are our initial impressions of Alex Sarr, Bub Carrington, and Kyshawn George.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2734,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[70],"tags":[29],"class_list":["post-2732","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wizards","tag-features"],"aioseo_notices":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/WizSummerLeague.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"post_mailing_queue_ids":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2732","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2732"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2732\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2740,"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2732\/revisions\/2740"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2734"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2732"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2732"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dbltakesports.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2732"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}