Rising Star Alex Sarr's Early Struggles Highlight Development Needs
Alex Sarr, the Washington Wizards' No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has experienced a rocky start to his Summer League campaign. Despite his status as a highly-touted prospect, Sarr’s recent performances have raised questions about his readiness for the NBA, particularly after a dismal outing against the Portland Trail Blazers.
Sarr, a 7-foot center known for his mobility and ability to play on the perimeter, had a night to forget on Tuesday in Las Vegas. He went scoreless, missing all 15 of his field-goal attempts—a record for the most attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. “This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him,” an unnamed source revealed. “Many thought he was the best prospect in this draft because he's an exceptionally mobile 7-footer who can play on the perimeter.”
Yet, those attributes have yet to translate into effective performances on the court. Sarr’s 0-of-15 shooting night included seven three-point attempts, all of which missed the mark. His attempts weren’t limited to the perimeter; he also took runners and floaters in the paint but found no success there either. Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, even managed to block one of Sarr’s moves to the rim.
Despite his shooting woes, Sarr contributed in other areas. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks, showing flashes of his potential impact as a two-way player. However, his overall performance in the Summer League—scoring 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field and going 2-of-17 from three-point range over three games—has left fans and analysts alike voicing concerns.
Critics argue that Sarr's lack of physicality is a significant impediment to his game. “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,” the unnamed source continued. As a highly mobile center capable of playing on the perimeter, Sarr’s unique skill set makes him an exciting prospect. Yet it’s clear that his frame and strength must improve if he hopes to withstand the rigors of the NBA.
Additionally, Sarr's shooting struggles are impossible to ignore. While his ability to play outside the paint is highly valued in today’s game, his effectiveness is currently hamstrung by his poor shooting percentages. “And I also don't fully trust the shooting from 3, which will be a key skill for him to hit on,” the source added.
The Wizards’ coaching staff and development team now face the task of refining Sarr’s physicality and shooting ability. While his journey with the team is still in its early stages, the initial enthusiasm surrounding his selection has given way to cautious optimism. Fans are hopeful that these early struggles are merely growing pains and that Sarr can fulfill his potential as a formidable two-way player.
It's crucial to remember that even highly talented players can face significant adjustments transitioning to the NBA. Summer League performance is often not the final indicator of a player's career trajectory. With proper guidance and commitment, Sarr could very well overcome these early hurdles and develop into a key player for the Wizards.
For now, the focus remains on fostering Sarr's development, addressing his areas of weakness, and leveraging his strengths. His ability to adapt and grow in the coming months will be pivotal for both his personal career and the future success of the Washington Wizards. Fans and the organization alike will be watching closely, with the hope that this talented, albeit raw, prospect can swiftly evolve into the impactful player they envisioned on draft night.