Alex Sarr, the highly touted No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, experienced an uncharacteristic struggle in Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League. The 7-foot center's performance was noteworthy not for his accomplishments, but for a particularly challenging night on the court.
Sarr finished the game with a scoreless, 0-of-15 shooting performance, marking the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. The young player's attempts included a mix from the perimeter, with seven shots coming from beyond the arc, none of which found the net. His shot selection also featured runners and floaters when he ventured into the paint, only to be thwarted by the defense, notably being blocked by Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick.
Despite the shooting woes, Sarr managed to contribute in other facets of the game. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks. These efforts, however, were overshadowed by his troubles from the field. Sarr's struggles are part of a broader pattern observed over three games at the Summer League, where he has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting and made just 2-of-17 from three-point range.
This rough start has begun to sow seeds of concern among Wizards fans who initially embraced his selection with immense enthusiasm. "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," said an unnamed source. "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 mobility and potential to stretch the floor were major points of allure for the Wizards. Standing at seven feet with the agility to play on the perimeter is a rare combination that teams covet. However, the early games have revealed areas in need of significant improvement. Sarr's shooting capability, particularly from three-point range, and physicality are prime points of focus for the Wizards' coaching staff and development team.
The path to becoming a mainstay in the NBA is rarely immediate, and Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its infancy. The franchise and its fanbase are acutely aware of the ups and downs that come with nurturing a young talent. Sarr's blend of size and skill is something that cannot be easily overlooked, despite his current shooting woes. There's a shared hope that with the right guidance and development, he can turn these early trials into valuable learning experiences.
For now, the spotlight remains on his capacity to adapt and grow. The coaching staff will undoubtedly aim to enhance his physicality, ensuring he can handle the rigors of the NBA and maximize his potential on both ends of the floor. Fans, while voicing their concerns, continue to hold onto the belief that Sarr can evolve into a formidable two-way player.
Only time will tell how Alex Sarr’s career will unfold, but the Washington Wizards remain committed to helping him reach his full potential. This difficult stretch at the Summer League is just one chapter in what they hope will be a long and successful NBA narrative.