Alex Sarr: A Challenging Start at the Las Vegas Summer League
Alex Sarr, the highly-touted No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, faced a rough patch in Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League. The 7-foot center struggled mightily, producing a scoreless 0-of-15 shooting performance that etched his name into the Summer League records for an undesirable reason. This marked the most field goal attempts without a make in the Summer League since 2017.
Despite his formidable size and mobility, Sarr’s attempts ranged from the perimeter to inside the paint without success. Seven of his attempts were from beyond the arc, and his shooting woes extended to runners and floaters when he ventured closer to the rim. Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, added to Sarr's frustrations by blocking one of his moves to the rim.
The struggles weren't limited to just one game; over three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr scored 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, making only 2-of-17 from three-point range. These numbers have certainly raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike, who initially had high hopes for the French prospect.
Though his offensive performance fell short, Sarr showed promise in other aspects of his game. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks against the Trail Blazers, showing that his impact isn’t confined to just scoring.
"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," an unnamed source remarked. "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."
Sarr's selection generated a wave of excitement, but recent performances have led to concerns about his viability as a key player for the Wizards. While his shooting from the three-point range is seen as a significant concern, it’s also evident that adding muscle mass could be crucial in helping him excel at the NBA level. He is often perceived as needing to put on 20-plus pounds of muscle to become more effective on both ends of the floor.
Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its infancy, and there's a consensus that the coaching staff and the development team have their work cut out for them. Enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability will be essential in his progression. The Wizards' fans hold a hopeful outlook, expecting that with time and the right conditioning, Sarr can turn things around and become a formidable two-way player.
Despite the early setbacks, it's far too premature to write off Sarr’s potential. NBA history is filled with players who have overcome rocky starts to have stellar careers. His mobility and versatility as a 7-footer are remarkable, traits that are coveted in today’s game. What remains now is for Sarr to translate those attributes into consistent, on-court performances that align with expectations.
For now, Sarr remains a work in progress, a raw gem that needs polishing. The upcoming games and training sessions will be crucial in determining how quickly he can adapt to the professional level. Wizards fans, while voicing concerns, will also be watching keenly, rooting for their new star to rise and make his mark in the NBA.