Washington Wizards Rookie's Night to Forget in Las Vegas
In a game that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr suffered through a dismal shooting performance in the Las Vegas Summer League, notably missing all 15 of his field goal attempts in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 19-year-old's shooting woes saw him set an unwanted record for the most field goal attempts without a make in a Summer League game since 2017.
The French-born forward, who spent last season honing his skills with the Perth Wildcats in Western Australia's NBL Next Stars program, struggled to find his rhythm throughout the night. In just under 30 minutes of play, Sarr managed to contribute in other areas, hauling in 9 rebounds, dishing out 3 assists, and imposing himself defensively with 3 blocks. Despite these efforts, the glaring scoreline of 0 for 15 is sure to be the main talking point for fans and analysts alike.
A Tough Night Beyond the Arc
Sarr's struggles weren’t confined to just two-point attempts; he also misfired on all seven of his 3-point attempts and both of his free throws. Across his three Summer League appearances, Sarr has yet to find any consistent form, shooting under 35% in each outing and averaging a paltry 19.5% from the field.
A Silver Lining: Defensive Presence
Even in the face of such a difficult night, Sarr has shown flashes of why the Wizards have faith in his potential. Averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League, he has been able to make an impact on the glass and in protecting the rim. His 3 blocks per game average in Las Vegas speaks to his defensive potential, offering a glimmer of promise for his future development in the league.
The shooting slump Sarr is experiencing is part and parcel of the challenges many rookies face transitioning to the NBA. At just 19 years old, he has time on his side to refine his shooting mechanics and build confidence. Playing in the intense environment of the Las Vegas Summer League provides both high-stakes competition and invaluable experience for young players like Sarr.
Past Performance and Potential
Sarr's current Summer League statistics certainly aren't reflective of the success he saw in Western Australia. With the Perth Wildcats, he showcased his potential as part of the elite Next Stars program, a platform designed to develop young talent for the NBA. While his performance in the NBL suggested a much smoother adaptation to NBA gameplay, the transition clearly comes with its own set of challenges.
Patience and Growth
For Washington Wizards fans, patience may be required as Sarr works through these growing pains. His versatility and defensive prowess remain assets that can be built upon, and with consistent work on his shooting, he could very well become a valuable player in the Wizards’ rotation.
As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on Alex Sarr to see how he bounces back from this shooting slump. His resilience and determination will be critical in turning things around, as these early experiences will undoubtedly shape his rookie season and beyond.