Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, has had a rocky start at the Las Vegas Summer League. The 7-foot center's most recent performance against the Portland Trail Blazers left much to be desired. Sarr struggled mightily, failing to score in a dismal 0-of-15 shooting performance. This outing marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. His shots were varied, with attempts from the perimeter—seven from beyond the arc—and inside the paint, including runners and floaters. None found the net.
Beyond his shooting woes, Sarr did manage to contribute in other facets of the game. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks. However, the glaring hole in his game remains his shooting. In the span of three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has scored just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a troubling 2-of-17 from three-point range.
This lackluster performance has stirred concerns among Wizards fans who were initially thrilled by his selection. There are now questions about his viability as a key player for the team. "This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," said an unnamed source. "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."
The promise seen in Sarr is unmistakable. His mobility and ability to play on the perimeter are rare for a player his size. These attributes were significant factors in the Wizards' decision to draft him so highly. However, his early struggles indicate that there is much work to be done. The Wizards’ coaching staff and development team now face the task of enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability. The young center’s journey with the team is still in its nascent stages, and there is hope that these early challenges will be stepping stones rather than stumbling blocks.
Despite the initial excitement surrounding his draft selection, the immediate challenges have tempered some fans' expectations. As one of the highest picks, the pressure on Sarr to deliver is immense. However, it's important to remember that development can take time and patience is key. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining how well Sarr adapts to the professional level and whether he can turn potential into performance.
The fans' hope is that Sarr's early struggles will be part of a larger narrative of growth and eventual success. If he can address the concerns about his shooting and physicality, there is a good chance he could become a formidable two-way player for the Wizards. For now, both Sarr and the Wizards are in the early stages of this new chapter, with the coming seasons set to reveal much about his future in the NBA.
Sarr’s next opportunity to prove himself will come soon, and all eyes will be on how he responds to his challenging start. Can he overcome these initial hurdles and fulfill the promise that made him such a highly coveted prospect? The answer lies in his ability to translate his athletic potential into consistent performance on the court.