Alex Sarr, the highly touted No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, has had a rocky start to say the least. His performance in Tuesday’s game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League has caused quite a stir among fans and analysts alike. The 7-foot center struggled immensely, failing to score in a 0-of-15 shooting performance that has now set an unfortunate record for the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017.
Despite his scoring woes, Sarr exhibited some positives. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks, displaying his hustle and effort on the defensive end. However, it’s his offensive struggles that have garnered the most attention. Of his 15 shot attempts, seven were from beyond the arc, but none found the bottom of the net. Among his missed shots were runners and floaters from within the paint, an array of attempts showing his willingness to try different scoring methods, albeit unsuccessfully.
Adding to the scrutiny was Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, who emphatically blocked one of Sarr’s attempts to the rim. Sarr’s overall Summer League performance thus far has been underwhelming. In three games, he has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a dismal 2-of-17 from three-point range. These struggles have brought up serious concerns about his shooting capability, especially from long distance, which many see as a vital skill for his role.
An unnamed source close to the situation 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 three, which will be a key skill for him to hit on."
Indeed, fans who were initially excited about Sarr’s selection are now voicing concerns about his viability as a key player for the Wizards. The coaching staff and development team have a significant task ahead to enhance Sarr's physicality and shooting ability. His mobility and potential to play on the perimeter remain promising aspects of his game, but without improvement in these critical areas, reaching his full potential will be challenging.
For now, Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages. While his opening performances have been less than stellar, it’s far too soon to write off a player with his skill set and athletic profile. The Wizards' fans are holding out hope that he can navigate through these early struggles to become the formidable two-way player they envisioned. As the Summer League continues and the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Alex Sarr to see if he can turn his potential into performance on the court.