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Alex Sarr · Inevitably bound to receive a “Welcome to the NBA” moment at some point with the defending-champion Boston Celtics in town, Alex Sarr decided that before such an occasion could arrive, any introductions would come solely on his own terms. Intuitive in his decision-making as a help defender, the 2024 NBA Draft’s No. 2 selection sneaks through the lane — or about as sneakily as one could at 7-foot — sensing his teammate’s need for assistance against Jrue Holiday’s post-up. Producing the type of play the six-time All-Defensive Teamer likely respected, Sarr elevates skyward, authoritatively sending the layup attempt ricocheting off the glass before sequencing it with a fortuitous, yet well-timed crash and putback flush. The two-way highlight, particularly defensively, underscored Sarr’s future impact, as the Washington Wizards’ new center-forward opened his career with three consecutive multi-block games, the NBA’s first rookie since 2016 to do so. Flashing redeemable traits during October 24, 2024’s loss, Sarr compiled two points, five rebounds, one assist, two rejections, and a game-high nine contested shots. · State of Mint