In a recent Las Vegas Summer League game, all eyes were on Alex Sarr, the highly anticipated No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft. Standing at an imposing 7 feet, Sarr entered the league amid considerable fanfare and optimism. Nonetheless, his performance against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday has set alarms ringing among fans and analysts alike.
Sarr, known for his exceptional mobility for a player of his height and his ability to play on the perimeter, found himself at the receiving end of a harsh reality check. He was held scoreless while missing all 15 of his shot attempts - a stark contrast to the expectations that accompany a top draft pick. To put his struggles into context, this performance marked the most field goal attempts without a make in the Summer League since 2017, a record that no player aspires to hold.
Despite his poor shooting display, which included seven attempts from beyond the arc, Sarr demonstrated versatility in other areas of the game. He managed to pull down nine rebounds, dish out three assists, and record three blocks. A notable moment came when Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and this year's No. 7 pick, blocked one of Sarr’s moves to the rim, further highlighting Sarr's need for physical development.
"This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," an unnamed source commented. "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."
These remarks encapsulate the dual nature of the current sentiment surrounding Sarr. His initial selection by the Wizards was met with high hopes, but his subsequent performances have been a mixed bag. Over three games in the Summer League, Sarr has managed to score just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, with a meager 2-of-17 shooting from three-point range. These numbers raise valid concerns about his shooting capability, which is an essential skill for any modern big man in the league.
The Wizards' coaching and development staff now face the critical task of enhancing Sarr's physicality and honing his shooting ability. Fans and analysts agree that Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages, yet the current trajectory calls for significant improvements. Adding muscle mass and refining his jump shot will be imperative if Sarr is to fulfill the promise of his draft position.
At present, the atmosphere among Wizards fans is tinged with a mix of cautious optimism and growing concern. They hope that Sarr can turn things around and blossom into a formidable two-way player. His ability to play on the perimeter offers intriguing possibilities, but only if accompanied by consistent shooting and an enhanced physical presence.
Sarr's initial struggles should not overshadow the broader potential that made him a coveted draft pick. The Summer League is a learning ground, and for all his faults in shooting, Sarr's contributions in other facets of the game suggest a well-rounded skill set that can be developed further. He has shown promise with his rebounding, shot-blocking, and passing abilities, laying a foundation that the Wizards can build upon.
As the Summer League progresses and the regular season looms on the horizon, the spotlight will remain on Sarr. His future performances will be scrutinized as indicators of his ability to adapt and grow in the NBA's highly competitive environment. For now, the Washington Wizards and their fans can only wait and watch, hoping that their high-risk, high-reward selection pays substantial dividends in the seasons to come.