Alex Sarr Struggles as Concerns Mount Over Viability
Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, confronted a challenging evening during Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League. The 7-foot center had a scoreless night, going 0-of-15 from the field—a performance marking the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017.
Sarr's struggles were pronounced, with his shot attempts coming from various parts of the court. His perimeter shooting accounted for seven of his missed shots, and he ventured into the paint with runners and floaters, marking a diversified but unproductive offensive night. Notably, former UConn standout and No. 7 pick Donovan Clingan blocked one of Sarr’s moves to the rim, adding to his difficulties.
Despite his scoring woes, Sarr showcased other facets of his game. He pulled down nine rebounds, handed out three assists, and recorded three blocks, demonstrating that his defensive and playmaking abilities might offer bright spots amid offensive struggles. However, through three games at the Summer League, Sarr has put up 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a concerning 2-of-17 from beyond the arc.
Initially, Sarr's selection excited many fans and analysts who viewed him as the best prospect in the draft due to his exceptional mobility and ability to play on the perimeter. Yet, his recent performances have sparked worries about his viability as a key player for the Wizards. "This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," remarked an unnamed source. "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."
The concerns extend beyond immediate performance woes to long-term potential. Fans are increasingly vocal about their doubts regarding Sarr's ability to meet the physical demands of the NBA and his shooting reliability from three-point range. The task of enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability now falls squarely on the shoulders of the Wizards' coaching staff and development team.
Sarr's journey with the Wizards remains in its early stages, leaving ample room for growth and adjustment. The organization, coaching staff, and fans harbor hopes that Sarr can turn his fledgling NBA journey around and evolve into the formidable two-way player they envisioned when they drafted him. For now, Sarr must focus on addressing the immediate issues and leveraging his defensive and playmaking strengths while working on his offensive game.
Only time will tell if Alex Sarr can live up to his draft status and fulfill the promising potential that many saw in him. As the Summer League progresses, all eyes will be on the young center to see if he can shake off his early struggles and begin to demonstrate the skills and capabilities that made him one of the top picks in the 2024 draft.