Alex Sarr Shows Potential Amid Summer League Struggles
The Washington Wizards' decision to pick Alex Sarr as the No. 2 overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft came with significant fanfare. Many hailed Sarr as a top prospect, primarily due to his exceptional mobility for a 7-foot center and versatility on the perimeter. Yet, his recent performance in the Las Vegas Summer League has raised questions about his readiness to make an immediate impact.
In Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr had a night to forget. He went scoreless, shooting an unprecedented 0-for-15 from the field, marking the most field goal attempts without a single make at Summer League since 2017. His struggles extended to the three-point line, where he missed all seven of his attempts. Despite his offensive woes, he managed to contribute by pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks.
Sarr's difficulty in finding the basket wasn't due to a lack of effort or variety in his shots. He attempted a mix of long-range jumpers, runners, and floaters. However, none found their mark. Even Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick and a former UConn standout, managed to block one of Sarr’s attempts at the rim. This offensive drought was part of a broader pattern for Sarr, who has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field in three Summer League games. His performance from beyond the arc has also been disappointing, with just 2-of-17 makes.
Despite the early-season struggles, some within the organization and fanbase remain optimistic. "This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," said an unnamed source. "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."
Sarr's physicality and shooting from long distances are indeed focal points for improvement. At 7-feet tall, his ability to stretch the floor is invaluable, but his current physique and perimeter shooting inconsistency make it difficult to maximize this aspect of his game. The Wizards' coaching staff and development team undoubtedly have their work cut out for them in enhancing these attributes.
Fan reactions have been a mix of initial excitement and growing concern. When Sarr was first selected, many fans rejoiced at the potential of a mobile, perimeter-playing big man. However, his recent performances have led some to question his viability as a key player. There’s a clear hope among the Wizards' faithful that these early struggles are merely growing pains and that Sarr will turn things around.
Indeed, Sarr's journey in the NBA is still in its nascent stages. While his Summer League showing has been less than stellar, it's essential to remember that these games are as much about development and adjustment as they are about results. The Wizards drafted Sarr for his potential, recognizing that he is a project player who might require some time to fully realize his capabilities.
His defensive stats do provide a silver lining. Grabbing nine rebounds and blocking three shots in a single game shows that Sarr can contribute in other areas even when his shooting isn't up to par. These are promising indicators that, with the right conditioning and skill development, he can become a formidable two-way player for Washington.
In conclusion, while Alex Sarr's Summer League performance has shown that there is much work to be done, it has not diminished the optimism surrounding his future. The Wizards' coaching staff will focus on enhancing his physicality and shooting capabilities, and fans will need to exercise patience as he develops. As Sarr continues to adjust to the NBA's demands, the hope remains that he will emerge as a versatile and impactful player in the league.