Anthony Davis has delivered a stern warning to the NBA about the Washington Wizards, declaring the team has formed a defensive juggernaut. The veteran star, speaking to reporters Network, highlighted his pairing with young center Alex Sarr as a game-changer for a team that finished last season on a five-game losing streak, including a 130-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 12, 2026.
How Does Alex Sarr Pair With Anthony Davis?
Davis is excited about the fit. "I've always felt like I've always been very successful with another big," Davis said. "And the good thing about Alex is that he can space the floor. And on the defensive end, it's going to be insane." He praised Sarr's ability to guard the pick-and-roll, switch onto guards, and protect the rim, suggesting Sarr is already among the league's best.
Sarr averaged 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks per game for the Wizards during the 2025-2026 NBA season. He served as the team's defensive anchor for two seasons. With Davis now in Washington, Sarr gets elite defensive help inside. Davis, who was traded from the Dallas Mavericks in February, is expected to shift back to his natural power forward spot. He averaged 20.4 points and 11.1 rebounds in 20 games for Dallas last season before a hand injury.
The backcourt will be led by former All-Star Trae Young, while 2026 top overall pick AJ Dybantsa is set to start at forward. This new core aims to overhaul a team that won just 19 games last season and hasn't seen the playoffs since 2021. You can view the full projected roster for the upcoming campaign.
What Are Anthony Davis's Hopes For The Wizards?
Davis has made his intentions clear. He wants to win in Washington. In an interview with the Associated Press, he pushed back against negative perceptions of the franchise. "When the trade happened and I got here, I've said this place is not what people make it seem," Davis stated. He credited the organization, coaching staff, and players for creating a competitive environment where he can have fun and learn.
He understands the challenge ahead, especially with a young roster. "I know we have a lot of young guys, but like I said, I mentioned it about the young guys, how talented they are." Davis explained. However, he acknowledged the difficulty of transforming a losing team into a contender, having experienced both sides in his long career.
The Wizards' recent form shows the scale of the task. Their last five results were all losses (LLLLL), a streak they are desperate to end. With Davis and Sarr anchoring the defense and Young running the offense, the team believes it can end its long postseason drought. Competing in the stacked Eastern Conference will be tough, but the new-look Wizards have raised their ceiling. Fans can track their progress throughout the season on our standings page.
