Washington Wizards Rookie Alex Sarr Struggles in Las Vegas Summer League
In what can only be described as a night to forget, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr endured a historically poor shooting performance during the Las Vegas Summer League. Facing the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr missed all 15 of his field goal attempts, setting a dubious record for the most shot attempts without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
Despite his frustrations on the offensive end, Sarr showed resilience and determination, contributing in other areas. He managed to grab 9 rebounds, dish out 3 assists, and block 3 shots, all within less than 30 minutes of play. His tenacity on the defensive end and ability to crash the boards highlighted a multifaceted aspect of his game.
The tale of Sarr’s shooting woes is not limited to just one game. Across three Summer League outings, his shooting percentage has alarmingly dipped below 35% in each contest. Overall, Sarr is connecting on just 19.5% of his field goal attempts, a statistic that surely concerns the Wizards coaching staff and the organization's front office.
Notably, the game against Portland exemplified Sarr’s struggles from beyond the arc and the free-throw line. He missed all seven of his three-point attempts, and failed to convert both of his free throws. These numbers are disconcerting, particularly for a player who aims to establish himself as a reliable scoring option.
Focusing on the broader picture, Sarr is averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League. While these averages suggest some level of consistency, his shooting woes and offensive inefficiency stand out starkly. Nonetheless, his defensive presence remains strong, with an average of 3 blocks per game in Las Vegas, showcasing his potential to impact games even when his shot isn’t falling.
The 19-year-old Sarr has had an intriguing journey to the Summer League. Last season, he played in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. This initiative aims to develop young talents and prepare them for the challenges of professional basketball at the highest levels.
Sarr’s experience in the NBL provided him with invaluable competitive play and exposure to professional training regimes, yet transitioning to the NBA landscape has posed its own set of challenges. The Wizards, along with Sarr himself, will undoubtedly be looking to refine his shooting mechanics and boost his confidence as he continues to adapt to the pace and physicality of NBA basketball.
The path ahead for Alex Sarr is one filled with opportunities and obstacles. His ability to rebound from this historically poor shooting performance will be critical in determining his trajectory in the league. As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on how Sarr responds to adversity and whether he can harness his undeniable talent to emerge as a promising figure for the Washington Wizards.