Wizards Celebrate Breakout Seasons at Team Awards

Sophomore center Alex Sarr takes home top honors as Washington's MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 4:57am

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A fragmented, geometric painting in bold blues, greens, and oranges, depicting the action and movement of a basketball game or match in an abstract, deconstructed style.The Wizards' young stars shine bright in a cubist-inspired illustration capturing the energy and dynamism of their breakout seasons.Cleveland Today

The Washington Wizards wrapped up their 2025-26 season with a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the team still had plenty to celebrate at their annual end-of-year awards ceremony. Sophomore center Alex Sarr was named the Wizards' Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year after a breakout campaign that saw him lead the NBA in blocks for a stretch and develop into one of the league's premier two-way big men. Rookie wing Will Riley also emerged as a surprise standout, earning recognition for his strong finish to the season.

Why it matters

The Wizards' individual award winners highlight the team's bright future, with Sarr and Riley establishing themselves as core pieces alongside veteran stars like Anthony Davis. Washington's strong development of young talent could position the team to make a leap in the Eastern Conference standings next season.

The details

Sarr, the Wizards' 2024 first-round draft pick, took a major step forward in his sophomore season. After averaging 13 points, 6.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.5 blocks as a rookie, Sarr boosted his production to 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.0 blocks per game. He led the active roster in scoring and blocks while ranking second in rebounds. Sarr's defensive impact was particularly impressive, as he finished tied for the team lead in defensive rating and topped the squad in defensive win shares.

  • The Wizards wrapped up their 2025-26 regular season on Sunday, April 13, 2026 with a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
  • Sarr led the NBA in blocks for a considerable stretch of the season.

The players

Alex Sarr

The Wizards' 2024 first-round draft pick, Sarr emerged as one of the league's premier two-way big men in his sophomore season, leading the team in scoring, rebounds and blocks while anchoring the interior defense.

Will Riley

The Wizards' rookie wing came on strong in the second half of the season, averaging 15.3 points per game in March and 18.0 points per game in April to establish himself as a potential All-Rookie Team selection.

Anthony Davis

The veteran forward will team up with Sarr to form a formidable frontcourt duo, as the Wizards look to build a top interior defense next season.

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What they’re saying

“Alex Sarr's leap this season was incredible. He surpassed every single statistical category from his rookie year and improved his shooting, free-throw percentage and just about every other area of his game.”

— Wyatt Hartman, Author

What’s next

With Sarr and Davis leading the way, the Wizards will look to take a step forward in the Eastern Conference standings next season and potentially earn a playoff berth.

The takeaway

The Wizards' individual award winners highlight the team's promising young core, with Sarr and Riley emerging as key building blocks alongside veteran star Anthony Davis. Washington's ability to develop its young talent could be the key to the team's success in the coming seasons.