In a pivotal moment for both Alex Sarr and the Washington Wizards, the 2024 NBA Draft No. 2 overall pick has found himself under the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. The 7-foot center, lauded for his exceptional mobility and perimeter play, is facing early criticism after a particularly challenging game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League.
Struggles in the Spotlight
Sarr's performance on Tuesday was marked by a historic low. In what turned out to be a scoreless game, he went 0-of-15 from the field, setting a Summer League record for the most field goal attempts without a make since 2017. Despite attempting an array of shots—including runners, floaters in the paint, and seven attempts from beyond the arc—Sarr struggled to find the bottom of the net. His shooting woes from the perimeter have now become a focal point of concern for fans and analysts alike.
Adding to his challenges, Sarr had one of his moves to the rim blocked by Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick and former UConn standout, emphasizing the physical and competitive hurdles Sarr must overcome.
Mixed Contributions on the Court
Though his shooting was off the mark, Sarr did contribute in other aspects of the game. He managed to pull down nine rebounds, dish out three assists, and record three blocks, showcasing a glimpse of his potential as a versatile two-way player. However, these contributions were overshadowed by his shooting struggles, casting a shadow over his overall performance.
In the three games he has played at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has amassed 20 points on a meager 8-of-41 shooting from the field, which includes a disappointing 2-of-17 from three-point range. This alarming shooting percentage has led to growing concerns about his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
The Road Ahead
The highly anticipated arrival of Sarr initially brought excitement to Wizards' fans who believed in his potential as a top prospect. However, the early signs indicate that Sarr might need considerable development, both physically and in terms of his shooting capabilities, to meet the expectations placed upon him.
"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."
Managing Expectations
The road to becoming a formidable NBA player often involves struggles and setbacks, and Sarr's journey is no exception. It is clear that the Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team will focus on enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability. As Sarr continues to adapt and improve, patience will be crucial for fans and the organization.
Sarr's early performance is a learning experience, revealing both his potential and areas in need of improvement. His ability to recover and evolve will determine whether he can live up to the high expectations that accompanied his draft selection. Wizards' fans remain hopeful that the young center can turn things around and establish himself as a key player for the team.
While Sarr's start may be rocky, the NBA career of a young player is a marathon, not a sprint. His journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages, and there is plenty of time for growth and development. The coming weeks and months will be critical as Sarr works to refine his game and prove that he can be a formidable force in the league.