Wizards' No. 2 Pick, Alex Sarr, Faces Rough Start in Summer League but Shows Potential
In the high-stakes world of NBA Summer League action, the spotlight shines brightest on the top draft picks. For Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, the initial transition to professional basketball has been anything but smooth. On Tuesday, Sarr struggled mightily against the Portland Trail Blazers, delivering a scoreless, disheartening performance that saw him miss all 15 of his field goal attempts—setting a rather ignominious record for the most field goal attempts without a make since 2017.
Undoubtedly talented, the 7-foot center found the going tough in Las Vegas, battling to find his rhythm on a variety of shots. Sarr's shooting woes extended beyond the arc, where he missed all seven attempts, as well as within the perimeter, including runners and floaters in the paint. Despite this, he was not entirely without impact on the game, contributing nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.
Draft night optimism surrounding Sarr has given way to a tempered sense of concern among Wizards fans and analysts. Once seen as a premier prospect due to his exceptional mobility and ability to play on the perimeter, the immediate question mark hovering over him is his lack of physicality and need for muscle gain. “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,” said an unnamed source.
This sentiment underscores a broader concern about Sarr's ability to transition into the rigors of NBA play. Through three Summer League games, his shooting stats are far from inspiring. With just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including only 2-of-17 from three-point range, Sarr's offensive struggles are evident. Compounding these woes was his matchup against Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick, who also contributed to Sarr’s difficult night by blocking one of his moves to the rim.
However, it's crucial to remember that Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is just beginning. The franchise’s coaching and development staff are now tasked with not only enhancing his physicality but also addressing his shooting mechanics and confidence. Early struggles are not uncommon for young players, particularly those making the leap to the major leagues. Sarr's ability to make a significant impact likely hinges on his adaptability and work ethic moving forward.
Fans and analysts alike are voicing concerns about his viability as a key player. Yet, there remains a collective hope that Sarr can turn things around. His foundational skills—coupled with his exceptional mobility for a player of his size—offer a glimpse of the potential that persuaded the Wizards to invest the No. 2 pick in him. If Sarr can add the necessary muscle and refine his shooting from long range, he could evolve into a formidable two-way player, fulfilling the high expectations set before him.
Despite the rocky start, Sarr's efforts in other aspects of the game should not be overlooked. Rebounding and defensive play are crucial elements in building a well-rounded player, and his nine boards and three blocks against Portland demonstrate a promising foundation. These attributes suggest that with the right physical development and shooting improvements, Sarr could yet become a significant asset for the Wizards.
The path ahead for Alex Sarr will require patience, dedication, and intensive work both on and off the court. The Wizards and their fans are optimistic, hoping this early adversity will serve as a building block for greater achievements. As Sarr works through these challenges, the coming months will be crucial in defining his trajectory in the NBA.