In a surprising turn of events, Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, has found himself under the microscope following his recent performances in the Las Vegas Summer League. The 7-foot center struggled notably in Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, producing a scoreless, 0-of-15 shooting performance. This was particularly significant as it marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017.
Sarr's shot attempts were varied and ambitious, with seven of them coming from beyond the arc. His efforts also included runners and floaters when he ventured into the paint, but none found the mark. To add to his woes, Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, managed to block one of Sarr’s moves to the rim. Despite this offensive struggle, Sarr pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks, showing there’s more to his game than just scoring.
However, the larger picture reveals a pattern of underwhelming shooting performances from Sarr. Over three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, he has scored only 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field and made just 2-of-17 from three-point range. These stats have left fans and analysts alike voicing concerns about his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
High Expectations, Lingering Concerns
Sarr’s selection by the Wizards initially brought a wave of excitement to the fan base, given his exceptional mobility for a 7-footer and his ability to play on the perimeter. "This is what Sarr wanted," noted an unnamed source. "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."
Yet, alongside this excitement came worries regarding his physicality. "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 source added. These concerns are now starkly evident as Sarr navigates the early stages of his journey with the Wizards.
Developing Potential
Despite the rocky start, it's important to remember that Sarr’s journey is still in its infancy. The Wizards' coaching and development teams have their work cut out for them. Enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability will be crucial if he is to realize his full potential and silence the growing doubts.
Sarr's ability to contribute in areas other than scoring is a positive sign. His nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in the game against the Blazers suggest that his skill set is versatile. The challenge will be turning this versatility into consistent on-court success, something Wizards fans are eagerly hoping for.
Fan Patience and Team Support
Wizards' fans, initially buoyed by the promise of having a top-tier prospect, now find themselves in a wait-and-see mode. There is cautious optimism that Sarr can turn things around and become a formidable two-way player. This optimism, however, is tempered by the understanding that significant developmental strides need to be made.
The upcoming months will be telling for Alex Sarr and the Washington Wizards. With the right support and a concerted effort to address his physical and shooting deficiencies, Sarr could still emerge as a key player. For now, patience and perseverance will be key as Sarr works to translate his considerable potential into tangible results on the court.