As the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, Alex Sarr has quickly become a focal point for both expectation and scrutiny. Standing at a towering 7 feet, Sarr's combination of size and mobility caught the eyes of scouts and fans alike, with many considering him the best prospect in the draft due to his unusual ability to play on the perimeter. Yet, his recent performance at the Las Vegas Summer League has raised unexpected concerns.
Struggles in Summer League
In Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr had a night to forget. He went scoreless, missing all 15 of his field goal attempts—an array of shots mainly from the perimeter and including seven attempts from beyond the arc. Despite his effort, Sarr's shooting woes set a record for the most field goal attempts without a make at the Summer League since 2017.
His struggles did not end at the three-point line. Sarr attempted runners and floaters when he ventured into the paint but to no avail. Adding insult to injury, Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick in the same draft, blocked one of Sarr’s moves to the rim. Overall, Sarr's performance starkly contrasted with the sky-high expectations surrounding his selection.
Rebounding and Defense Shine
While his shooting might have been abysmal, Sarr demonstrated his defensive prowess and rebounding ability. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks during the same game. These stats show glimpses of his potential to contribute on both ends of the floor, despite the offensive shortcomings.
Over the course of three games in the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, making only 2-of-17 attempts from three-point range. These metrics further highlight the inconsistency in his offensive game, causing some fans and analysts to question his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
Addressing Physicality and Shooting
What may account for these struggles is a series of inherent challenges in Sarr's game. "This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," said an unnamed source. "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 three, which will be a key skill for him to hit on."
The concerns are not unfounded. Sarr's lean frame makes him susceptible to being outmuscled in the paint and less effective in post-up situations. Furthermore, his shooting mechanics and confidence from long range need significant improvement if he is to become a reliable scorer in the NBA. The Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team have their work cut out for them to enhance Sarr's physicality and shooting ability.
Potential for Growth
Despite these early setbacks, it's important to remember that Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its nascent stages. The Summer League serves as a developmental platform, providing rookies the opportunity to adjust to the pace and physicality of professional basketball. Sarr's mobility and defensive capabilities offer a strong foundation on which to build.
Wizards' fans harbor hope that Sarr can turn things around and eventually become a formidable two-way player. The initial excitement of his selection has given way to cautious optimism as the focus shifts to his growth and development. As with many young prospects, patience and persistent effort will be key.
In conclusion, while Sarr's offensive struggles have been glaring, his defensive contributions and rebounding strength showcase his potential. As the Washington Wizards work on refining his skills and building his physique, it remains to be seen whether Alex Sarr can live up to the lofty expectations and carve out a successful NBA career.