Sarr's Struggles Highlight Wizards' Concerns Over Rookie's Viability
Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, is finding the early days of his professional career more challenging than anticipated. Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League underscored some growing concerns among the Wizards' fan base and coaching staff about the 7-foot center's current capabilities.
During the match, Sarr endured a particularly tough outing, failing to score in a 0-of-15 shooting performance. This marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017, a statistic that does little to ease the worries about his shooting skills. Sarr's attempts were diverse, ranging from perimeter shots, with seven of those from beyond the arc, to runners and floaters in the paint. Regrettably, none found the mark.
Yet, it wasn't an entirely fruitless evening for Sarr. He managed to pull down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks. These stats reflect some areas of promise amid the shooting woes, suggesting that his defensive prowess and ability to contribute in rebounding are already serviceable at the professional level.
But the larger issues loom. Over the course of three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has scored just 20 points, making only 8-of-41 shots from the field. His three-point shooting has been particularly troubling, with a mere 2-of-17 success rate. These figures no doubt contribute to the murmurs of concern from fans who were initially excited by his selection.
"This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," an unnamed source noted. "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."
Indeed, Sarr's mobility and ability to play on the perimeter were significant factors in his high draft position. Yet, the lack of muscle mass and a reliable shot from beyond the arc are clear areas needing attention. The game against the Blazers highlighted these deficiencies, especially when former UConn standout and No. 7 pick Donovan Clingan blocked one of Sarr’s moves to the rim.
The Wizards' coaching staff now faces the task of enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability. Building strength is a priority, as adding muscle mass will help Sarr both in maintaining his health and in holding his own against more robust NBA players. Simultaneously, refining his shooting form and consistency from three-point range could unlock another dimension to his game, vital for a player of his profile.
Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its infancy, and while the initial games have been rocky, there's a pathway for improvement. Washington’s development team will need to focus on a comprehensive plan to bolster his physical and technical attributes. Incorporating personalized training regimes, nutritional guidance to facilitate muscle growth, and detailed shooting drills will be critical steps in this process.
Despite the tough start, there's cautious optimism that Sarr can turn things around. Fans and analysts understand the adjustment period required for rookies, particularly those transitioning from different playing styles and physical demands. The hope remains that Sarr can grow into a formidable two-way player, fulfilling the potential that made him such a tantalizing draft prospect.
The Las Vegas Summer League performances, while not indicative of long-term career trajectories, offer a snapshot into the challenges and areas for growth. For Alex Sarr, the task ahead is daunting but achievable with the right support and development.