Alex Sarr's Challenging Debut in Las Vegas Summer League
Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, has faced a tough start to his professional career during the Las Vegas Summer League. The 7-foot center, renowned for his mobility and perimeter play, struggled significantly in Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, leading to growing concerns among fans and analysts alike.
Sarr's performance against the Trail Blazers was marked by a dismal shooting display. He attempted a staggering 15 field goal attempts without making a single basket, setting a record for the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. This array of missed shots included runners, floaters in the paint, and seven attempts from beyond the arc. Despite his relentless effort, Sarr failed to convert any of these opportunities, which contributed to a scoreless outing.
While his shooting woes were apparent, Sarr did contribute in other areas of the game. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks, showcasing his potential to impact the game outside of scoring. However, these contributions did little to alleviate the concerns surrounding his offensive capabilities. In the three games he has played at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has managed to score just 20 points on an 8-of-41 shooting clip from the field, with a mere 2-of-17 success rate from three-point range.
Donovan Clingan, a former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, added to Sarr's struggles by blocking one of his moves to the rim. This highlighted a potential area of vulnerability in Sarr's game when facing physical and formidable opponents in the paint.
Fan Excitement Turns to Concern
Sarr's selection as the No. 2 pick initially generated excitement among Wizards fans, who were eager to see the young center become a key player for their team. However, his early performance has prompted concerns about his viability at the professional level. An unnamed source close to the team articulated these worries, stating, "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."
This assessment underscores the dual challenges Sarr faces in his rookie season: enhancing his physicality to match the demands of the NBA and improving his shooting consistency, especially from three-point range. Sarr's current frame and muscle mass appear insufficient for the type of play he aspires to bring to the Wizards, and addressing this issue will be crucial for his development.
Coaching Staff's Crucial Role
The Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team have a significant task ahead in refining Sarr's game. Enhancing his physicality and shooting ability will be vital to unlocking his potential. Given Sarr's exceptional mobility for a 7-footer and his capability to play on the perimeter, there is a foundation upon which the coaches can build. However, the process will require patience and dedicated effort.
Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages, and it's premature to write off his potential based on a few Summer League games. The NBA is a league where many great players have faced early struggles before finding their footing. Wizards fans remain hopeful that with the right support and development, Sarr can overcome these initial hurdles and evolve into a formidable two-way player.
As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on Alex Sarr to see how he responds to these early challenges. His ability to adapt, grow, and improve will be critical in determining the trajectory of his rookie season and beyond.