Alex Sarr's Rough Summer League Performance Raises Eyebrows
In the life of an NBA rookie, the transition from a highly-touted draft pick to a dependable player can be arduous, as evidenced by the early struggles of Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sarr's most recent outing at the Las Vegas Summer League against the Portland Trail Blazers has fans and analysts alike questioning his immediate impact on the court.
A Night to Forget
The 7-foot center, known for his exceptional mobility and perimeter skills, had a night to forget, going scoreless in a 0-of-15 shooting performance. This marked the most field goal attempts without a make in the Summer League since 2017. Sarr's dismal shooting was particularly surprising given his status as one of the top prospects in the draft.
Sarr took a variety of shots, primarily from the perimeter, with seven attempts from beyond the arc. Despite his best efforts, he couldn't get the ball to fall through the hoop. His shot selection varied from runners and floaters in the paint to perimeter attempts, yet all met the same unfortunate end.
One moment epitomized Sarr's tough night — a blocked move to the rim by Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick. However, Sarr did manage to contribute in other areas, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks. Despite these efforts, his shooting woes remained the focal point of the conversation.
Early Struggles and Growing Concerns
In three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has scored 20 points on a troubling 8-of-41 shooting from the field. His three-point shooting has been equally concerning, making just 2-of-17 attempts. This early struggle has fans, who were initially excited about his selection, voicing concerns over his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
One unnamed source succinctly captured the sentiment: "This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him. Many thought he was the best prospect in this draft because he's an exceptionally mobile 7-footer who can play on the perimeter. But the worry is his lack of physicality. He's going to need to put on 20-plus pounds of muscle to do what he wants on the floor. And I also don't fully trust the shooting from 3, which will be a key skill for him to hit on." The assessment, though blunt, speaks to the areas needing improvement for Sarr to thrive in the NBA.
The Path Forward
Despite the rocky start, Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its infancy. His combination of size and agility remains a tantalizing prospect for the future. However, the Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team have their work cut out for them. Enhancing Sarr's physicality and refining his shooting ability will be paramount to his success.
The hope among Wizards fans is that Sarr can turn his early struggles into a learning experience, developing into a formidable two-way player. His ability to rebound, assist, and block shots already indicates potential; turning that potential into consistent performance will be the challenge.
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, early setbacks can often lead to long-term growth. How Sarr responds to his early adversities will be closely watched by those who believe in his talent and those who doubt his readiness. For now, patience and persistence will be key as Sarr works to prove his mettle in the NBA.