Alex Sarr, the highly anticipated No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, has encountered a rocky start in his professional basketball journey. Despite being heralded as an exceptionally mobile 7-footer with potential to play on the perimeter, recent performances have highlighted areas of concern that both fans and analysts are beginning to scrutinize.
A Challenging Outing in Las Vegas
In Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr's struggles were glaringly evident. The 7-foot center endured a nightmarish game, finishing with a scoreless, 0-of-15 shooting performance. This dismal showing marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017, a statistic that underscores the extent of his struggles.
Sarr's shooting attempts were diverse, yet fruitless. He displayed a willingness to shoot from the perimeter, attempting seven shots from beyond the arc, none of which found the basket. When he ventured into the paint, his efforts included runners and floaters, but these too failed to convert. An exclamation point was added to his rough night when Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, blocked one of his moves to the rim.
However, Sarr did manage to contribute in other facets of the game. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks. Despite these contributions, his shooting woes overshadowed any positives from his performance.
Early Indicators and Fan Reactions
Sarr's early performances in the Las Vegas Summer League have not inspired confidence among the Wizards' fanbase. Over three games, he has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a concerning 2-of-17 from three-point range. Initially, Sarr's selection excited fans, but the honeymoon phase appears to be ending as doubts regarding his viability as a key player for the Wizards begin to surface.
An unnamed source close to the team noted, "This is what Sarr wanted. 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."
Areas for Improvement
Sarr’s current struggles can be broken down into two primary areas: physicality and shooting. His physique, while providing mobility, lacks the muscle mass needed to compete effectively at the professional level. Experts believe that an additional 20-plus pounds of muscle would significantly enhance his ability to execute on the floor.
Moreover, his shooting, particularly from three-point range, has been a significant concern. With only 2 of his 17 attempts from beyond the arc finding the net, it is clear that his perimeter game requires substantial improvement. A consistent three-point shot would not only boost his scoring potential but also open up the floor for his teammates.
The Road Ahead
The Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team face the task of addressing these weaknesses. Enhancing Sarr's physicality and refining his shooting mechanics will be crucial for his development into a formidable two-way player. While his journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages, the team remains committed to his growth, hoping that he can turn things around.
Despite the early setbacks, it is too soon to draw definitive conclusions about Sarr's career. NBA history is replete with players who faced initial struggles but went on to achieve significant success. The key for Sarr will be resilience and a willingness to put in the necessary work to improve.
The Wizards’ fans, while currently concerned, hold onto hope that Sarr can live up to the lofty expectations that accompanied his draft selection. If he can leverage his mobility, add the necessary muscle, and find his shooting touch, Alex Sarr may yet fulfill his potential as a cornerstone player for the franchise.