Alex Sarr's debut at the Las Vegas Summer League has been a mixed bag, marred by a recent performance that may raise questions about his readiness for the NBA. Selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sarr's early struggles have begun to cast a shadow over the initial excitement that surrounded his arrival.
A Night to Forget
Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers was particularly challenging for the 7-foot center. Sarr ended the night with a scoreless 0-of-15 shooting performance, marking the most field goal attempts without a make in Summer League since 2017. The young player attempted a variety of shots, predominantly from the perimeter, with seven attempts from beyond the arc, but none found their mark. His efforts in the paint were equally unproductive, featuring missed runners and floaters. Even a move to the rim was blocked by Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick.
Despite the shooting woes, Sarr did manage to contribute in other areas. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks, showcasing his potential as a versatile player. However, these stats do little to alleviate concerns over his shooting reliability and overall impact on the game at this early stage
A Struggle with Consistency
In his three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field. His three-point shooting has been particularly troubling, making just 2-of-17 attempts. This level of performance has led to doubts among fans and analysts about his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
"This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," said one 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." This sentiment captures the mix of optimism and skepticism surrounding Sarr's future.
The Path Forward
Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages, and the coaching staff along with the development team have their work cut out for them. Enhancing his physicality and improving his shooting ability will be crucial. His ability to play on the perimeter as an exceptionally mobile 7-footer is a rare talent, but translating that into consistent in-game success will require significant effort.
For the Wizards' fans, the hope is that Sarr can turn things around and evolve into a formidable two-way player. His initial performances may have been rocky, but the raw talent and potential are evident. While the concerns are real, it's also important to remember that rookies often face steep learning curves. Adjusting to the pace and physicality of the NBA can take time, especially for a player identified as needing to bulk up and refine key skills like three-point shooting.
In the grand scope of an NBA career, a few rough outings in the Summer League are but one chapter. The Wizards selected Sarr not just for what he is now, but for what he can become. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on this young center, watching and waiting to see if he can live up to the promise that had him picked so high in the draft. Only time will tell if the initial concerns fade into distant memories or become defining elements of his narrative.