A Night to Forget for Wizards Rookie Alex Sarr in Las Vegas
Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr experienced an unforgettable evening for all the wrong reasons during the Las Vegas Summer League. In a dismal performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr recorded a historically poor 0 of 15 shooting night, making the most field goal attempts by a player without a single make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
Despite the Wizards' loss, there were still silver linings in Sarr's performance. He managed to gather 9 rebounds, dish out 3 assists, and block 3 shots in under 30 minutes of play. Yet, his shooting woes continued to overshadow his other contributions on the court.
The difficulties Sarr faced on this particular night were not an isolated incident. Across three Summer League games, his shooting percentages have been consistently under 35%. Overall, he is shooting a mere 19.5% from the field, a figure that raises concerns considering his status as a highly-touted prospect.
Sarr's shooting struggles extended beyond his field-goal attempts. Against Portland, he missed all seven of his three-point attempts and both of his free throws. Such a performance underscores the challenges the 19-year-old is facing as he adjusts to the pace and physicality of the NBA.
Despite these offensive struggles, Sarr has shown flashes of potential in other areas. He is averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League, alongside an impressive 3 blocks per game. His defensive prowess is notable and hints at a promising future, provided he can work on his shooting efficiency.
Sarr's journey to the NBA has been unique. Last season, he played for the Perth Wildcats in Western Australia as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. This initiative is designed to provide international prospects with a platform to showcase their talents and prepare for the NBA.
It’s clear that Sarr possesses the raw talent and physical attributes necessary to succeed at the professional level. However, his recent performances indicate that there is significant work to be done, particularly on the offensive side of his game. The Wizards, along with their coaching staff, will need to focus on developing Sarr's shooting mechanics and confidence.
While the Summer League is a time for rookies to learn and grow, Sarr’s historic shooting night serves as a stark reminder of the uphill battle many young players face. With continued dedication and the right guidance, there's potential for Sarr to turn these early setbacks into building blocks for a successful NBA career.
The attention now turns to how Sarr and the Wizards will address these issues moving forward. As he reflects on his Summer League experience, Sarr undoubtedly will be looking to emerge stronger and more prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.