In a highly scrutinized performance at the Las Vegas Summer League, Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, endured a nightmarish outing against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 7-foot center struggled mightily, going scoreless and missing all 15 of his field goal attempts, marking the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017.
Sarr’s attempts spanned a variety of shots, with seven taken from beyond the arc and others consisting of runners and floaters. Despite his versatility and efforts from different spots on the court, none of the attempts found the net. The highly mobile center who can play on the perimeter witnessed his moves to the rim thwarted, including one block by Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick.
A Disappointing Display
His performance on Tuesday punctuated a concerning trend for Sarr, who has scored just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting across three Summer League games. His long-range shooting has been particularly problematic, making only 2 of his 17 three-point attempts.
Despite these offensive struggles, Sarr managed to contribute in other areas, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks in the game. However, these contributions have done little to assuage the growing concerns among Wizards' fans about his viability as a key player for the team.
Fan and Team Reactions
Sarr's selection initially excited the fan base, with many seeing his exceptional mobility for a 7-footer as a key asset. However, the recent performances have led to a reevaluation. An unnamed source reflected the sentiments succinctly, "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 Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team have their work cut out for them. Enhancing Sarr's physicality and improving his shooting capability, especially from three-point range, are believed to be crucial steps in his development. The coaching staff's challenge will be to shape Sarr into a more robust and reliable force on the court.
A Work in Progress
It's worth noting that Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages. A few rough outings in Summer League games are far from indicative of his overall potential or future success. Sarr's technical skills and mobility offer a promising foundation, but the physical and strategic aspects of his game require significant development.
While fans are understandably frustrated and concerned, the Wizards' organization remains hopeful. The expectation is that given time, Sarr can turn things around and evolve into the formidable two-way player they envisioned when they drafted him. The team's optimism hinges on his ability and willingness to adapt and improve under the guidance of their coaching staff.
For now, Sarr remains a player full of untapped potential, brimming with the talent that made him the No. 2 overall pick. As he continues to grow and develop, the world's eyes will be watching closely, rooting for the day Alex Sarr becomes the player the Wizards and their fans hope he can be.