In a highly anticipated moment for Washington Wizards fans, the team selected Alex Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sarr, a 7-foot center known for his exceptional mobility and ability to play on the perimeter, entered the league with high expectations. However, his recent performance at the Las Vegas Summer League has raised questions about his readiness to meet those expectations.
Struggles on the Court
Sarr's most recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers was a particularly tough outing. During Tuesday's matchup, Sarr failed to score, going 0-of-15 from the field. His shooting struggles marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. Seven of those attempts came from beyond the arc, and despite showing versatility with runners and floaters in the paint, none found the basket.
The standout moment of the game was when Donovan Clingan, a former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, blocked one of Sarr’s moves to the rim. While Sarr managed to pull down nine rebounds, dish out three assists, and record three blocks, his inability to score overshadowed his contributions in other areas.
Over the first three games of the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field and made just 2-of-17 from three-point range. This performance has left Wizards fans concerned about his shooting capability and viability as a key player for the team.
Fan Expectations and Concerns
Sarr's selection initially excited fans, who saw him as a top prospect with the potential to become a formidable two-way player. However, his current struggles have led to questions about his ability to perform at the NBA level. 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 3, which will be a key skill for him to hit on."
Path to Improvement
Despite the early struggles, it's important to remember that Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its nascent stages. The Wizards' coaching staff and development team are aware of the areas he needs to improve, particularly his physicality and shooting ability. Sarr's ability to adapt to the rigors of the NBA and develop his skill set will be crucial for his progression.
The coaching staff is likely to focus on enhancing Sarr's strength and ensuring he can handle the physical demands of the league. Gaining 20-plus pounds of muscle is not just a recommendation but a necessity for him to be effective on both ends of the floor. Additionally, refining his shooting technique, especially from three-point range, will be imperative. The hope is that with dedicated training and development, Sarr can overcome these initial hurdles.
Washington Wizards fans are hopeful that the young center can turn things around. His mobility and potential to play on the perimeter are attributes that, if honed correctly, could make him a pivotal player for the franchise. It's a long season ahead, and as the saying goes, "Rome wasn't built in a day." Patience and perseverance will be key as Sarr works to fulfill his potential and justify his high draft selection.
While concerns are valid, the raw talent and potential that led to Sarr being the No. 2 overall pick are still present. The coming months will be crucial in determining how well he can adapt and grow into the player that the Wizards envisioned when they drafted him.