In a surprising turn of events during the Las Vegas Summer League, Washington Wizards' No. 2 overall pick, Alex Sarr, faced a tough outing against the Portland Trail Blazers. The 7-foot center, heralded for his exceptional mobility and perimeter play, struggled significantly with his shooting, going 0-of-15 from the field, including 0-of-7 from beyond the arc. This performance marks the most field goal attempts without a make in Summer League since 2017.
Sarr’s shot attempts were diverse, encompassing perimeter shots as well as runners and floaters when he ventured into the paint. Despite his versatility, it was a night of frustration as none of his shots found the mark. Former UConn standout and No. 7 pick Donovan Clingan contributed to Sarr’s tough night, notably blocking one of his moves to the rim.
Despite his scoring woes, Sarr showcased other facets of his game by pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks. These contributions highlight his potential beyond just scoring, though his shooting performance has raised concerns among Wizards fans and analysts alike.
Struggles Continue for Sarr
This game is part of a broader pattern of struggles for Sarr in the Summer League. Over three games, he has scored just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including 2-of-17 from three-point range. Such numbers have tempered the initial excitement that met his selection as the No. 2 overall pick, leading to questions about his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
Concerns About Physicality and Shooting
One unnamed source encapsulated the growing concerns: "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."
Sarr’s physicality and shooting ability are indeed central to his future success. His current frame, while allowing for exceptional mobility, may not withstand the rigors of the NBA without significant strengthening. Additionally, for a player who is expected to operate as a stretch center, his three-point shooting will need marked improvement.
Path Forward
The Wizards' coaching staff and development team will have a pivotal role in nurturing Sarr's potential. They face the dual task of enhancing his physicality and refining his shooting mechanics. While his recent performances have been far from ideal, it’s essential to remember that Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages.
Sarr’s initial selection brought hope and excitement to a franchise looking to build a competitive roster. Wizards fans are now clinging to that initial promise, hoping that this early slump is just a bump in the road. The vision remains for Sarr to evolve into a formidable two-way player, bolstered by his exceptional mobility and diversified skill set.
The coming months will be crucial as Sarr embarks on the rigorous training regimen needed to enhance his physical and technical attributes. The Wizards’ faithful are watching closely, yearning for their top pick to overcome these early setbacks and begin making strides towards realizing his full potential on the NBA stage.