Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, faced a challenging outing in Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League. Sarr, a 7-foot center renowned for his mobility and ability to play on the perimeter, experienced a notably rough night on the court, failing to score a single point.
Sarr's performance saw him go 0-of-15 from the field, setting a record for the most field goal attempts without a make in the Summer League since 2017. His shot attempts were diverse, predominantly taken from the perimeter, with seven attempts from beyond the arc, including a mix of runners and floaters as he navigated into the paint. Despite his efforts, none of his shots found the mark.
The game wasn't entirely devoid of positives for Sarr. He managed to pull down nine rebounds, contribute three assists, and record three blocks, showcasing his potential to impact the game in other ways besides scoring. However, concerns about his shooting ability and overall viability as a key player for the Wizards have started to surface among fans and analysts alike.
Since the onset of the Summer League, Sarr has scored 20 points on a tough 8-of-41 shooting from the field across three games. His performance beyond the three-point line has been particularly concerning, with only 2-of-17 shots made from distance in the same span. Such statistics highlight the need for significant improvement in his shooting consistency.
The selection of Sarr by the Wizards initially stirred excitement among the fan base, given his exceptional mobility and versatility as a 7-footer who can operate on the perimeter. However, his recent struggles have raised questions about his ability to adapt to the physical demands of professional basketball. "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," an unnamed source commented.
The concerns about Sarr’s physicality and shooting ability underline the crucial areas where the Wizards' coaching and development team will need to focus. Enhancing his physical strength to better handle the rigors of the NBA and improving his shooting accuracy, particularly from beyond the arc, will be essential for his growth and success in the league.
It's important to remember that Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages. The League's Summer games are often a period of adjustment and learning for rookies and young players. Thus, while Sarr’s initial performance might have fallen short of expectations, it is far from a definitive indicator of his potential career trajectory.
Wizards' fans continue to hold onto hope that Sarr can leverage his significant attributes and evolve into a formidable two-way player. The next steps in his development will be closely monitored as the Wizards work to shape their promising prospect into a key contributor for their future success.