The Washington Wizards had three selections for the NBA’s Castrol Rising Stars Game this All-Star Weekend. Alex Sarr, Kyshawn George, and Tre Johnson are some of the league’s brightest talents. However, with a recent injury, Team T-Mac will be missing a significant player during the NBA Rising Stars Tournament, as Sarr will not be able to participate.

Wizards Sophomore Out Of Rising Stars Game Due To Injury

Two positives are immediately presented despite Sarr’s injury. First, Washington will retain their third player in the event, as Bub Carrington will be replacing Sarr in the contest. Two, Washington’s tank can grow even stronger, as the big man will miss at least a few games. Even with the injury, however, there’s no doubt Sarr has inserted himself as one of the best big men in the league, and he didn’t need to compete in the tournament for everyone to notice.

Sarr will miss around two weeks with a right hamstring strain. Not only will he miss the NBA’s festive weekend, but he will also miss Washington’s next few outings if he misses the full period. He has already missed 12 games this season, adding (potentially) another five. If Sarr misses the entire two weeks, he would have to play the remainder of the season to be up for any awards, including a great chance at an All-Defense Team selection.

Carrington Steps In

Luckily for Washington, Sarr’s draftmate Carrington has really come out of his shell as of late. At the beginning of the season, Carrington seriously struggled, which is most likely why he wasn’t an outright selection for the Rising Stars Tournament. However, since December, Carrington has been a steady contributor. While he’s still inconsistent, the league selecting him to replace Sarr is a sign they still see him as a bright player in the league.

This season, Carrington is averaging 10.2 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 4.6 assists, while shooting near 40% from three. His impact has risen over the last few months, but it’s not nearly at the level Sarr’s has been this season.

Sarr’s Impact

Looking past the All-Star Break, Sarr will be missed once competition resumes. The sophomore currently averages the most points on the active roster, as well as being one of only three players this season averaging at least 17 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game. After the recent blockbuster trade for Anthony Davis, the Wizards are a little thin at center, and it will be hard to replace a player contributing at Sarr’s current level.

Sarr has put the league on notice this season and has firmly inserted himself as one of the best two-way players in the game currently. The Frenchman is dominating virtually every aspect. He’s scoring much better inside this season, while also shooting better from the arc. He’s also been more physical, which was a huge area of improvement and one of the biggest concerns for him last season. Sarr looks and plays like a more complete basketball player this year, and he’ll be Washington’s cornerstone moving forward.

Potential Return

With Sarr missing at least two weeks, there’s a chance he will return with the Wizards’ new All-Star duo: Trae Young and Davis. Washington’s new “Big Three” will hopefully see the court together this season, even if the Wizards have been iffy on Davis’ return timeline.

Both All-Stars will be re-evaluated during the break, and there’s a chance that all three will return against the Atlanta Hawks, which will be Young’s revenge game if you consider it that. The second game of the Hawks-Wizards back-to-back is exactly two weeks away. Meaning, Sarr would be either ready to go or need to sit out in order to return against the Raptors two nights after.

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