Wizards' Rookie Alex Sarr Faces Early Struggles in Summer League
The Washington Wizards' selection of Alex Sarr as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft was initially met with excitement among fans and analysts alike. Sarr, a 7-foot center known for his exceptional mobility and ability to play on the perimeter, was highly regarded as one of the best prospects in the draft. However, his recent performance in the Las Vegas Summer League has raised concerns about his readiness for the NBA.
In Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr experienced a night to forget. He went scoreless, missing all 15 of his shot attempts. This performance marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. Sarr's shooting woes were evident as he struggled to connect from various spots on the floor, including seven three-point attempts and multiple runners and floaters in the paint. His inability to convert on open looks and his ineffectiveness around the rim were concerning for the Wizards' coaching staff and fans alike.
The former UConn standout and No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, added to Sarr's frustrations by blocking one of his moves to the rim. Despite his shooting struggles, Sarr contributed in other facets of the game, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks. However, his overall shooting performance in the Summer League has been far from impressive, as he has scored only 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field over three games. His three-point shooting has also been a significant concern, making just 2-of-17 attempts during this stretch.
The initial enthusiasm for Sarr's selection has begun to wane, with fans and analysts voicing concerns about his viability as a key player for the Wizards. "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," said an unnamed source. "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."
Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages, and there is hope that he can turn things around. The coaching staff and development team will need to focus on enhancing his physicality and shooting ability. At 7 feet tall, Sarr possesses the height and mobility that can make him a formidable two-way player. However, it is clear that he needs to build strength and consistency, particularly in his shooting from beyond the arc.
The development of young players in the NBA is rarely a linear path, and Sarr's early struggles are a reminder of the challenges rookies often face. The Wizards organization is committed to supporting Sarr's growth, and fans remain hopeful that he can fulfill his potential as a top draft pick. While his scoreless performance was a setback, it also provides an opportunity for Sarr to learn and improve as he adjusts to the pace and physicality of the NBA.
As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on Sarr to see how he responds to these early challenges. Will he be able to find his shooting touch and contribute more effectively on the offensive end? Can he build the physical strength needed to compete at the highest level? These questions loom large for the Wizards and their fans. With dedication and hard work, Sarr has the potential to overcome these obstacles and become a key player for the team in the future.