In what can only be described as a night to forget, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr etched his name into the Las Vegas Summer League record books, but for all the wrong reasons. In a 0 of 15 shooting performance against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr set the mark for the most field goal attempts without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
While it was a challenging night offensively, Sarr compensated with notable contributions in other aspects of the game. In less than 30 minutes on the court, the 19-year-old forward grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and recorded 3 blocks. Despite his shooting woes, his defensive presence and ability to affect the game in varied ways were evident.
Struggles in the Spotlight
This game wasn't an isolated incident in terms of Sarr's shooting difficulties. Over the course of three Summer League matches, his shooting percentage has hovered below 35%, with an overall field goal percentage of just 19.5%. These numbers are certainly concerning for a player aiming to solidify his position on the Wizards' roster.
In the matchup against Portland, Sarr also missed all seven of his three-point attempts and both of his free throws, summing up a frustrating evening for the rookie. Despite his struggles, Sarr's hustle was unquestionable, as evidenced by his per-game averages of 6.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and an impressive 3 blocks in the Summer League.
A Glimpse of Potential
Context is crucial, especially for a player as young as Alex Sarr. At just 19 years of age, he is still adapting to the heightened competition level in the NBA Summer League. Prior to joining the Wizards, Sarr spent the previous season with the Perth Wildcats in Western Australia, participating in the NBL's Next Stars program. This experience in the Australian league likely provided Sarr with exposure to different play styles and competition levels, but the transition to the NBA remains a significant step.
It's important to remember that the Summer League serves as a platform for young talents like Sarr to adjust and grow. Many players have used these games to fine-tune their skills and eventually become significant contributors in the NBA. Given his defensive abilities and versatility, Sarr has the potential to develop into a valuable asset for the Wizards, provided he can overcome his shooting struggles.
The Road Ahead
As the Summer League progresses, all eyes will be on Alex Sarr to see how he rebounds from his historically poor shooting performance. If he can find a way to harness his defensive prowess while improving his efficiency on the offensive end, he could well be on his way to a promising rookie season.
For now, patience and perseverance will be key. The Wizards coaching staff will undoubtedly be working closely with Sarr to refine his shooting mechanics and boost his confidence. After all, the measure of a player isn't solely based on their shooting accuracy but also on their growth, improvement, and ability to adapt. Alex Sarr has shown glimpses of his potential, and with time, he could well transform this rocky start into a noteworthy career.