In a turbulent Las Vegas Summer League showing, Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, faced a challenging outing against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 7-foot center endured a night to forget, going 0-of-15 from the field, marking the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017.
Struggles on the Court
Sarr’s performance was marked by a diverse shot selection, mainly from the perimeter, where he missed all seven attempts from beyond the arc. His attempted runners and floaters in the paint also failed to find the net. The former draft standout even had a move to the rim blocked by Donovan Clingan, the former UConn star and seventh overall pick.
Although Sarr failed to register a point, he still contributed in other areas, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks. Yet, despite these efforts, concerns are mounting regarding his shooting capabilities and overall physicality on the court.
Early Career Challenges
In his three Summer League games, Sarr has struggled to find his rhythm, scoring just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including 2-of-17 from three-point range. His performance has sparked vocal concern among fans who were initially excited about his selection. Many are now questioning his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
An unnamed source commented on the growing concerns surrounding Sarr: "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."
Development and Potential
Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its nascent stages, and there is optimism within the organization that with proper development, he can turn things around. The coaching staff and development team have their work cut out for them in enhancing his physicality and shooting abilities. Sarr’s height and mobility are notable assets, but his current physical condition and shooting inconsistencies need significant improvement.
The talent and potential that made Sarr a top draft pick are undeniable. His ability to play on the perimeter as a mobile 7-footer is rare and highly valued in today’s NBA. However, the transition to professional basketball is proving to be challenging, and it’s clear that Sarr will need to put in considerable work to meet the high expectations placed upon him.
Wizards fans remain hopeful that the team's development strategy will help Sarr evolve into a formidable two-way player. His early struggles in the Summer League have tempered initial excitement, but they also underscore the long and arduous path that many young players must traverse to succeed in the NBA.
As the Summer League progresses, all eyes will be on Sarr to see how he responds to these early setbacks. His ability to adapt, grow, and develop under the guidance of the Wizards’ coaching staff will be crucial in determining whether he can fulfill the potential that made him such a desirable pick. The coming months will be pivotal in shaping the future of Alex Sarr’s NBA career, with the hope that today’s challenges will lead to tomorrow's triumphs.