Washington Wizards' Newcomer Alex Sarr Faces Early Challenges in Summer League
For any rookie entering the NBA, the Summer League serves as a first taste of professional basketball—an opportunity to showcase talents and prove one's worth. For Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, this stage has proven to be a challenging battleground.
Standing at seven feet tall, Sarr's physical profile caught the eye of many scouts and analysts. Described as an exceptionally mobile center who can stretch the floor, Sarr was perceived as one of the most promising prospects in the 2024 draft class. "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 was quoted as saying.
However, Sarr's initial performances at the Las Vegas Summer League have raised more eyebrows than expectations. In a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr struggled immensely, going scoreless with a 0-of-15 shooting performance. This marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. Sarr attempted an array of shots, primarily from the perimeter, with seven of those attempts being from beyond the arc, and even ventured into the paint with runners and floaters—all to no avail.
The woes didn't stop there for the newcomer. Throughout three games at the Summer League thus far, Sarr has scored just 20 points on a lackluster 8-of-41 shooting from the field. His long-range shooting has been particularly troubling, as he has managed only 2-for-17 from three-point land. Such stats have inevitably sparked doubts among fans and analysts about his shooting capability.
Despite his shooting struggles, Sarr has shown flashes of his other abilities. In the game against the Trail Blazers, he hauled in nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks. Nonetheless, critics argue that these numbers, while respectable, do not overshadow his glaring inefficiency on offense.
One notable moment came when Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick in the same draft, blocked one of Sarr’s moves to the rim, punctuating the steep learning curve Sarr faces.
Concerns about Sarr's physicality have also come to the fore. Weighing in as a relatively light 7-footer, it's widely believed that Sarr will need to put on significant muscle mass to compete effectively in the NBA. "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," added the same unnamed source.
The Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team certainly have their work cut out for them. In addition to building his physical strength, there is an urgent need to refine Sarr's shooting mechanics and confidence. While the rookie's journey with the Wizards is still in its nascent stages, early signs indicate that the road ahead will require considerable effort and adaptation.
The initial excitement surrounding Sarr's selection has given way to cautious optimism. Fans who were once thrilled by the prospect of having such a versatile player are now voicing concerns about his viability as a key contributor. Yet, the hope remains that with time, Sarr can turn things around and become the two-way player the Wizards envisioned.
It’s essential to remember that the Summer League is precisely a developmental arena designed for emerging talents to experience the highs and lows of professional play. For Sarr, these early struggles could serve as invaluable lessons, shaping him into a more resilient and well-rounded player. The Wizards’ faithful will be watching closely, hoping to see flashes of the potential that had so many hailing him as a future star.
As the Summer League continues, all eyes will be on Sarr to see how he adapts and evolves from these hardships. But one thing is clear—the journey of Alex Sarr is just beginning, and the final chapters are far from being written.