High Expectations for Alex Sarr Met with Early Struggles
As the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Alex Sarr entered the professional basketball scene amid a flurry of anticipation. Selected by the Washington Wizards, the 7-foot center's unique blend of mobility and perimeter skills had generated excitement among fans and analysts alike. However, the initial phase of his journey has been anything but smooth as evidenced by his recent performances in the Las Vegas Summer League.
Sarr’s struggles reached a peak during Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, where he endured a night that was noteworthy for all the wrong reasons. Shooting an uncharacteristic 0-of-15 from the field, Sarr failed to register a single point—a performance that stands as the most field goal attempts without a make at the Summer League since 2017. His array of shots included perimeter attempts and ventures into the paint, but nothing seemed to drop, not even his seven attempts from beyond the arc.
The game was further marred for Sarr when Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick, blocked one of his drives to the rim. Despite the offensive woes, Sarr did make his presence felt in other areas, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks. Yet, the output from the field remained glaringly inefficient.
In three games at the Summer League, Sarr has struggled to find his shooting rhythm, scoring a total of 20 points on an 8-of-41 shooting clip. From three-point range, his record stands at 2-of-17, raising concerns over his capability to be a genuine threat from outside.
This rocky start has led to a wave of concern among Wizards fans, who initially embraced Sarr's selection with enthusiasm. The shift in sentiment reflects underlying uncertainties about his physicality and shooting capability. One unnamed source aptly summarized the situation: "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."
The Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team now face the challenge of molding Sarr into the player many believe he can be. His potential is undeniable, but the path to realizing it will likely involve significant work in the weight room and countless hours honing his shooting technique. The early signs suggest physicality and shooting are the primary areas requiring attention. Adding 20-plus pounds of muscle could enable Sarr to hold his ground better against more robust opponents, while improved shooting could make him a consistent threat from the perimeter.
Despite these initial setbacks, Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its infancy, providing ample time for growth and development. The franchise and its fans hope these early struggles are merely part of a learning curve that will eventually lead to him becoming a formidable two-way player.
The stakes are high, and the eyes of the basketball world continue to follow Alex Sarr's progression. Can he overcome these early hurdles and blossom into the star player the Wizards envisioned? Only time will tell, but for now, the narrative is one of potential and promise tempered by immediate reality. The coming months will be critical for Sarr as he works to translate his raw talent into consistent performance on the court.