In the spotlight: Alex Sarr and his early struggles
Alex Sarr, the towering 7-foot center, was selected as the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, an accolade that initially sparked excitement among the fan base. Known for his exceptional mobility for a player of his size and his ability to play on the perimeter, Sarr was seen by many as a top prospect in the draft class. However, his recent performances in the Las Vegas Summer League have raised questions about his readiness to become a cornerstone of the Wizards' future.
Disappointing performance
In a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr faced one of his most challenging outings to date. He ended the night scoreless, missing all 15 of his shot attempts. This marked the most field goal attempts without a single make at the Summer League since 2017. Sarr’s efforts saw him taking a mix of shots, including seven three-pointers and a series of runners and floaters when he ventured into the paint. Unfortunately, none found their mark.
The game was not devoid of effort from Sarr, who managed to pull down nine rebounds, dish out three assists, and record three blocks. However, his shooting woes overshadowed the stat line, further emphasizing the struggles he has encountered early in his career.
Compounding his difficulties, Donovan Clingan, a former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick in the draft, managed to block one of Sarr’s moves to the rim, epitomizing the challenges the young center is facing against seasoned competition.
Persistent issues
Sarr's shooting troubles have not been an isolated occurrence. Over three games in Las Vegas, he has managed just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a dismal 2-of-17 from beyond the arc. Such performances have begun to cast doubt among fans and analysts about his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
"This is what Sarr wanted," an unnamed source commented. "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."
Room for growth
The concerns voiced by the unnamed source reflect a broader sentiment that Sarr's potential is undoubted, but so is his need for improvement. The Wizards' coaching staff and development team will have their work cut out, focusing on enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability to help him reach his full potential.
Sarr's journey is still in its nascent stages, and while initial performances have been rocky, there is hope that with dedication and the right development, he can turn things around. The expectations from a No. 2 overall pick are considerable, and the Washington faithful are eager to see Sarr become the formidable two-way player they believe he can be.
Despite the early struggles, the talent and potential that led the Wizards to draft Sarr remain evident. His ability to play on the perimeter as a 7-footer is a rare and valuable asset in today's NBA. If he can address the gaps in his game, particularly his physicality and shooting consistency, Sarr has the tools to become a significant player for the Wizards.
For now, patience and perseverance will be key. Alex Sarr's road to stardom might be off to a bumpy start, but the journey is far from over. The upcoming weeks and months will be crucial both for his development and for restoring the faith of fans and analysts who once hailed him as the top prospect in his class.