Summer League Struggles for Washington Wizards’ No. 2 Pick, Alex Sarr
Alex Sarr, the highly anticipated No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, faced a challenging outing in the Washington Wizards’ latest game at the Las Vegas Summer League. The 7-foot center's performance against the Portland Trail Blazers drew attention for all the wrong reasons, reflecting a difficult start to his Summer League campaign.
Sarr’s struggles on Tuesday were palpable as he recorded a scoreless game, going 0-of-15 from the field. This marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. Despite attempting a variety of shots, including seven from beyond the arc, perimeter jumpers, runners, and floaters in the paint, Sarr failed to connect on any of his attempts. One of his moves to the rim was even blocked by Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick in this year’s draft.
However, Sarr’s night wasn’t entirely devoid of positives. The rookie managed to pull down nine rebounds, dish out three assists, and record three blocks. Despite his shooting woes, these defensive and playmaking contributions highlighted aspects of his game that the Wizards can build upon.
In three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has managed to score just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a disappointing 2-of-17 from three-point range. These statistics have sparked early concerns among Wizards fans regarding his viability as a key player for the team, particularly given the high expectations set by his draft position.
“This is what Sarr wanted,” said an unnamed source familiar with the Wizards’ draft strategy. “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.”
Sarr’s athleticism and versatility indeed set him apart as one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft. His ability to move fluidly for a player of his size, coupled with his potential as a two-way player, generated excitement around his selection. However, his performance thus far has underscored the developmental challenges that lie ahead.
The Wizards' coaching staff and development team now face the task of enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability. Adding muscle will be crucial for Sarr to withstand the rigors of NBA competition and establish a presence in the paint. Improving his three-point shooting will also be essential, given the modern NBA’s emphasis on floor spacing and perimeter play.
Despite the early struggles, it’s important to remember that Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is only just beginning. The Summer League is a learning environment, and rookies often use it to acclimate to the pace and physicality of professional basketball. The hope among the Wizards' faithful is that Sarr can turn these early challenges into valuable learning experiences and emerge as a formidable player for the team.
In the coming months, all eyes will be on Sarr's development. The Wizards’ investment in their No. 2 pick comes with the expectation that he will evolve into a cornerstone of the franchise. For now, patience and continued support will be key as Sarr works to hone his skills and fulfill the enormous potential that saw him drafted so high.
As the Summer League progresses, and eventually transitions into the NBA season, Alex Sarr's progress will undoubtedly remain a captivating narrative for Washington Wizards fans and basketball enthusiasts alike. The flashes of brilliance interspersed with moments of struggle are all part of the rookie experience. Ultimately, how Sarr responds to these early setbacks will shape his path forward in the NBA.