In an unexpected twist at the 2024 NBA Draft, the Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr as the No. 2 overall pick, igniting a wave of excitement among fans. The 7-foot center, known for his exceptional mobility and ability to play on the perimeter, seemed to be the prospect that many thought could change the Wizards' fortunes. However, early signs from the Las Vegas Summer League have placed a spotlight on the challenges Sarr faces as he transitions to the professional level.
Rough Start at Summer League
Sarr's performance during the Summer League, particularly the game against the Portland Trail Blazers, has raised eyebrows. The 7-footer struggled significantly, going scoreless on a dismal 0-of-15 shooting performance. This outing marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. His attempts were diverse, ranging from perimeter shots to runners and floaters in the paint, but none found the mark. Sarr also tried his luck from beyond the arc, attempting seven three-pointers without success. In a notable moment, Sarr saw one of his moves to the rim blocked by Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick in the draft.
Statistical Struggles and Rebounding Effort
This poor showing is part of a broader trend for Sarr at the Summer League. Over three games, he has scored just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a troubling 2-of-17 from three-point range. Despite these shooting woes, Sarr has shown other facets of his game. In the game against the Trail Blazers, he pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks. These statistics hint at his potential to contribute in areas beyond scoring, but clearly, his shooting needs substantial improvement.
Long-Term Viability Concerns
Sarr's inconsistent performance has led to concerns among Wizards fans about his viability as a key player. Though his selection initially excited the fanbase, the reality of his early struggles is now stirring doubts. "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," an unnamed source commented.
Future Development Needs
The Wizards' coaching staff and development team have their work cut out for them. Sarr's journey with the team is still in its early stages, and there is hope that with time and proper conditioning, he can harness his potential. Enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability are likely to be primary focal points moving forward. The objective will be to transform his raw athleticism and versatility into reliable performance on the court.
For now, Wizards fans remain hopeful that Sarr can overcome his initial hurdles and evolve into a formidable two-way player. The road ahead will require patience and persistent effort, and only time will tell if Sarr can live up to the lofty expectations placed upon him.