In a surprising turn of events at the Las Vegas Summer League, Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, struggled mightily in Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 7-foot center's defensive prowess was undeniably one of the primary reasons for his high selection in the draft, but his offensive performance on this particular night left many fans and analysts in shock.
A Shooting Nightmare
Sarr's scoreless, 0-of-15 shooting performance marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. He attempted an array of shots, mainly from the perimeter, with seven of those attempts being from beyond the arc. Unfortunately, none of those shots found the net, showcasing a significant area of concern for both Sarr and the Wizards. His affinity for playing on the perimeter is evident, but the results have been less than encouraging.
When Sarr did venture into the paint, he often opted for runners and floaters instead of forcefully attacking the basket. His tentative approach saw one of his rare aggressive moves to the rim being thwarted by Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick. Clingan's rejection added to Sarr's frustrating evening.
Beyond the Offensive Struggles
Despite his dismal shooting night, Sarr managed to contribute in other areas, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks. However, these efforts could not overshadow his glaring offensive deficiencies.
In his three games in Las Vegas so far, Sarr has amassed 20 points on an inefficient 8-of-41 from the field, including just 2-of-17 from three-point range. Such numbers highlight the inconsistency and inefficacy that have marred his Summer League performances. Fans who were initially excited about his selection are beginning to voice concerns about his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
A Question of Physicality and Shooting
Summing up the conundrum facing Sarr and the Wizards, an unnamed source shared their perspective: "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. 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 sentiment underscores the dual concerns regarding Sarr's physical readiness and his perimeter shooting ability. While his mobility as a 7-footer is impressive and potentially game-changing, these advantages can be mitigated if he fails to adapt his physicality to the NBA level and improve his shooting consistency.
Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its infancy, and it would be premature to write him off based on a few Summer League outings. Yet, the early signs indicate that there is substantial work ahead. The Wizards' coaching staff and development team will need to focus on enhancing Sarr's physicality and honing his shooting stroke if he is to realize his potential and justify his high draft status.
For now, the Washington faithful will be watching closely, hoping that their new big man can turn things around and become the formidable two-way player they envisioned when he was selected as the No. 2 overall pick.