Alex Sarr's Summer League Struggles Raise Early Concerns for Wizards Fans
When the Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, a wave of excitement rippled through the fanbase. The 7-foot center was praised for his exceptional mobility and versatility on the perimeter, drawing comparisons to some of the most promising big men in the league. However, Sarr's recent performance at the Las Vegas Summer League has tempered some of that initial enthusiasm, raising questions about his readiness to make an immediate impact in the NBA.
In Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr struggled mightily, failing to score a single point and going 0-for-15 from the field—a dubious distinction marking the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. His shot selection was varied, with attempts ranging from perimeter shots to runners and floaters in the paint. Despite Sarr's efforts, none of his shots found the mark, including seven three-point attempts.
Defensively, Sarr showed some promise by collecting nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks. However, his inability to convert offensively overshadowed these contributions. Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick, notably blocked one of Sarr’s moves to the rim, adding to the young center’s woes. This performance has left Wizards fans concerned about Sarr's potential as a key player for the team.
To date, Sarr has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field across three games at the Las Vegas Summer League. From beyond the arc, his struggles continue, having made only 2-of-17 attempts. The shooting woes highlight a critical area of development for the young center, especially given the high expectations surrounding his perimeter game.
An unnamed source close to the team commented, "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."
Concerns about Sarr's physicality and shooting ability are not unfounded. Listed as an exceptionally mobile 7-footer, Sarr’s frame is currently seen as too slight for the rigors of NBA competition. The Wizards' coaching and development staff will have their work cut out for them, focusing on enhancing Sarr's physicality and refining his shooting mechanics. Improving his three-point shot is especially crucial, given the modern NBA's emphasis on floor spacing and shooting from long range.
While some fans are voicing their skepticism, it is important to remember that Sarr's journey with the Wizards is in its early stages. The transition from collegiate or international play to the NBA is a significant leap, often requiring time and patience for young players to find their footing. Sarr's raw talent and potential remain undeniable, and with the right development and support from the Wizards organization, there is still hope that he can turn things around.
Hero-to-zero stories are not uncommon in the NBA, and Sarr's Summer League struggles could simply be growing pains. Wizards fans, despite their current concerns, are hopeful that Sarr can overcome these early obstacles and evolve into a formidable two-way player. The coming months will be critical for Sarr as he works to bulk up, polish his shooting, and adjust to the pace and physicality of the NBA.
As the Wizards look to the future, the development of Alex Sarr will undoubtedly be a focal point. The franchise's investment in his potential underscores their belief in what he can ultimately bring to the team. With hard work and determination, Sarr can still fulfill the promise that made him such a high draft pick. For now, all eyes are on his progress, and both fans and critics will be watching closely as the young center navigates the challenges ahead.