In a night that he would likely prefer to erase from memory, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr recorded a historically forgettable performance in the Las Vegas Summer League. Going 0-for-15 from the field, Sarr managed to set an unenviable record, becoming the player with the most field goal attempts without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017. The Wizards ultimately fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, adding to the young forward's frustration.
Struggles Offensively
Despite his shooting woes, Sarr managed to contribute in other ways during his under-30-minute stint on the floor. He grabbed nine rebounds, dished three assists, and registered three blocks, showcasing his defensive acumen and ability to impact the game outside of scoring. Unfortunately, his offensive struggles overshadowed these efforts, especially as he failed to convert any of his seven three-point attempts and missed both of his free-throw shots.
This performance was an acute example of a broader challenge Sarr has faced throughout the Summer League. Across three games, the 19-year-old forward has shot below 35% in each outing. Overall, Sarr's shooting percentage stands at a dismal 19.5%, a figure that indicates significant room for improvement in his offensive game.
A Consistently Rough Shooting Stretch
Alex Sarr's poor shooting night was not an isolated incident but part of a troubling trend since the start of the Summer League. Averaging 6.7 points per game, his scoring contributions have been modest at best. However, his impact isn't solely measured by points. Sarr also averages 6.7 rebounds and 3 blocks per game, underlining his potential to develop into a well-rounded player. These statistics highlight the duality of Sarr's game—struggling offensively but contributing significantly on the defensive end and in rebounding.
A Glimpse Into The Past
Before joining the Summer League, Alex Sarr spent the previous season in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. At just 19 years old, Sarr's transition from the NBL to the NBA Summer League was bound to come with growing pains, a fact that has become glaringly apparent over these past few games. His performance with the Wildcats was characterized by potential and raw talent, traits that the Wizards hope to nurture and develop into consistent NBA-level skill.
Looking Forward
While his shooting performance in the game against Portland may be difficult to stomach, Sarr's versatility and defensive capabilities are encouraging. For a young player making the transition to the NBA, bouts of inconsistency are hardly unusual. What will be crucial for Sarr moving forward is the ability to translate his flashes of brilliance on defense and rebounding into a more balanced, all-around game.
The Wizards, along with their fan base, will undoubtedly look to support Sarr as he navigates through these early challenges in his professional career. Learning from this experience, growing stronger, and adjusting to the physical and mental demands of NBA-level play will be essential for Sarr's development. Given time and the right guidance, he has the foundational skills to overcome this rocky start and carve out a successful career in the league.
As the Las Vegas Summer League progresses, all eyes will remain on Alex Sarr, eager to see how he responds to this testing period and whether he can find his rhythm on the offensive end.