Las Vegas Summer League can be a brutal proving ground for young players looking to make a mark, and few can attest to this more starkly than Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr. In a night likely to be etched in Summer League infamy, Sarr put up a remarkable 0-for-15 shooting performance in a loss against the Portland Trail Blazers.
The game against Portland saw Sarr set an unwanted record: with his 0-of-15 shooting, he made the most field goal attempts without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017. Despite his historic shooting woes, Sarr showed resilience in other areas on the court, finishing the game with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks, all in less than 30 minutes of play.
A Struggle from the Field
Sarr’s shooting struggles aren’t confined to the game against Portland. Across three Summer League games, he has consistently shot below 35%, culminating in an overall shooting percentage of 19.5% from the field. This marked inefficiency is a point of concern for the Wizards coaching staff and may well affect Sarr’s confidence moving forward.
The game against Portland was particularly harsh on the 19-year-old rookie’s shooting numbers. Sarr missed all seven of his three-point attempts and both of his free throws, illustrating a comprehensive struggle with his shooting mechanics on that night.
Contributions Beyond Scoring
While his shooting has been a glaring issue, Sarr has shown promise in other facets of his game. On average, he is putting up 6.7 points and grabbing 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League. Additionally, his defensive prowess is noteworthy, averaging 3 blocks per game, which highlights his potential as a significant presence in the paint.
At just 19 years old, Sarr’s performance can be seen as a part of a broader development arc. Before joining the Wizards, Sarr spent last season in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL’s Next Stars program, an initiative designed to give young talents exposure and experience in a competitive environment.
Looking Ahead
Given his young age and the context of transitioning from international play to the NBA, Sarr’s shooting woes might be chalked up to adjustment pains. The Wizards coaching staff will likely be working closely with him to refine his shooting mechanics and build up his confidence as they gear up for the regular season.
In a league where player development can sometimes feel like trial by fire, Alex Sarr’s shooting slump is a part of the learning curve. His contributions in rebounding, assisting, and shot-blocking indicate a versatile skill set that can be nurtured. Whether he can overcome his shooting struggles and emerge as a balanced player will be a storyline worth following as the Summer League progresses and the regular season approaches.
As Summer League continues, and Sarr gets more opportunities to adjust and refine his game, both the Wizards and their fans will be keenly watching in hopes that his other talents will start translating into points on the board.