Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr Struggles in Summer League
Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr had a night to forget in the Las Vegas Summer League, recording a historic 0 of 15 shooting performance in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The French big man couldn’t find the basket, making it the most field goal attempts by a player without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
While the Summer League serves as a platform for young talents to showcase their skills, Sarr's shooting woes stood out—not in the way he would have hoped. If this had been a regular-season game, his 15 attempts without a single make would have tied for the second-most in NBA history. Despite his struggles from the field, Sarr contributed in other areas, finishing with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks in less than 30 minutes of play.
Sarr's difficulties were not confined to just this game. Across three Summer League games, he has shot below 35% in each outing. Overall, he is shooting a paltry 19.5% from the field, averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. The rookie is, however, showing a notable defensive presence, averaging 3 blocks per game in Las Vegas.
A scan of Sarr's shot selection reveals a deeper layer to his struggles. He missed all seven of his 3-point attempts and both of his free throws in the game against Portland. The young Frenchman clearly has aspects of his offensive game that require refinement to grow into a reliable player at the NBA level.
At just 19 years old, Sarr’s journey to the NBA has been unconventional. He spent last season in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program, a development pipeline that has produced several NBA talents. His time in Australia provided valuable experience, but the jump to the NBA's level of competition remains a significant leap.
The Summer League is often a harsh proving ground for rookies, exposing the gaps in their game while offering insights into their potential. For Sarr, despite the shooting woes, there is immense room for growth. His defensive contributions and versatility as a big man are reasons for optimism among Wizards fans and coaching staff.
Interestingly, despite the shooting slump, Sarr has shown a knack for positioning and playmaking. His 9 rebounds and 3 assists highlight his ability to impact the game beyond scoring. As he adjusts to the pace and physicality of the NBA, these facets of his game will be crucial.
The Washington Wizards will be mindful of nurturing Sarr's development, understanding the importance of patience with young talents. His journey thus far reflects a player committed to improving, but it is clear that breaking through at the NBA level requires more than talent—it demands resilience and adaptation.
While Sarr’s offensive woes in the Summer League might be eye-opening, they are not definitive of his potential. Many rookies have struggled early before finding their stride, and Sarr's performance underscores the demanding nature of the NBA. As the Summer League continues, eyes will be on Sarr to see if he can bounce back and find his rhythm.
In the world of professional sports, nights like these are a test of character as much as ability. For Alex Sarr, the immediate challenge lies in staying focused and dedicated to improvement. The Washington Wizards and their fans will hope that this rough patch is but a stepping stone on the path to a successful NBA career.