By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Washington Wizards are intensifying preparations for the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season. Their primary focus remains integrating an upgraded roster while managing medical updates for their young European core.
French big Alex Sarr is progressing rapidly following mid-June surgery on a fractured right foot. The Wizards held the 21-year-old center out of Saturday’s closed scrimmage as a precaution during the first week of camp. However, insider Josh Robbins of The Athletic reported on Sunday that the Bordeaux native is on the verge of a major step forward. He could clear full-contact drills as early as Monday. This confirms the initial timeline, keeping him on track for opening night of the Regular Season.
Sarr’s recovery provides a massive lift to the reconstructed frontcourt. Conversely, fellow European teammate Tristan Vukcevic faces a tougher medical timeline. The 23-year-old Serbian-Greek forward-center is sidelined with a left hip impingement. With a reevaluation scheduled in four weeks, he will miss the entire exhibition slate and the start of the Regular Season. This complicates his battle for minutes in a crowded rotation.
The Wizards’ plan for Alex Sarr, who had surgery in mid-June to repair a fractured foot, has been for Sarr to hold off on contact drills during the first week of camp. It looks like Sarr will begin participating in full contact work very soon, perhaps as early as Monday.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) October 5, 2026
Alongside Sarr and Vukcevic, French wing Bilal Coulibaly completes the organization’s prominent European contingent. The 22-year-old guard aims to lead a revamped defense that head coach Brian Keefe has stressed throughout training camp.
With veteran Khris Middleton also building up conditioning and new stars adjusting to the system, Washington faces its first test this week. The Wizards launch their NBA Preseason 2026 calendar this Thursday against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. The real action begins on October 21 against the Milwaukee Bucks for the regular-season opener at Capital One Arena.
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