Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr endured a night to forget in the Las Vegas Summer League, setting an unfortunate record in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 19-year-old, who previously honed his skills with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL's Next Stars program, went 0 for 15 from the field, marking the most field goal attempts by a player without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
A Difficult Night
Sarr's shooting woes became increasingly apparent as the game progressed. Despite his relentless effort, the ball simply wouldn't fall through the hoop. Sarr attempted seven shots from beyond the arc and missed them all, and he was equally unlucky at the charity stripe, failing to convert both of his free throw attempts. His final stat line from the game was a sobering reminder of the harsh learning curve in professional basketball: 0 points on 0-for-15 shooting.
However, Sarr’s struggles with scoring didn't entirely overshadow his other contributions on the court. In less than 30 minutes, he collected 9 rebounds, distributed 3 assists, and registered 3 blocks. This kind of well-rounded performance suggests that despite his off night offensively, Sarr's potential and versatility remain apparent.
Consistent Challenges
This game against Portland was not an isolated incident for Sarr in terms of shooting struggles. Across three Summer League games, his shooting percentage has been consistently below 35%, leading to an overall field goal percentage of just 19.5%. For any player, particularly a rookie trying to find his footing, these numbers are concerning and highlight the steep competition and pressure that come with professional play.
Sarr’s offensive difficulties are evident in his average of 6.7 points per game, which is mirrored by his rebounding average of 6.7 per game. The young center, though, has shown a knack for defensive plays, averaging 3 blocks per game, which showcases his potential to become a formidable defensive presence in the league.
Learning and Growth
At only 19 years old, Alex Sarr still has a significant amount of time to adapt and improve within the professional environment. His development path echoes that of many young, raw talents who have transitioned to the NBA from international leagues. Last season, Sarr played for the Perth Wildcats in Western Australia, where he participated in the NBL's Next Stars program. This experience was intended to prepare up-and-coming players like Sarr for the rigors and pace of the NBA.
Looking Forward
The Summer League, for players like Sarr, is an invaluable platform for growth and adjustment. His current shooting slump, while notable, is part of a broader learning experience that almost all rookies face as they transition to the higher levels of competition. The Wizards’ coaching staff will undoubtedly continue to support and work closely with Sarr, focusing on both his strengths and the areas needing improvement.
Despite the challenging start, there is optimism surrounding Sarr’s capability to evolve and refine his game. His ability to rebound, assist, and block showcases his diverse skill set, providing a foundation on which he can build. The key for Sarr will be to develop consistency on both ends of the court, particularly in improving his shooting efficiency.
As the Summer League progresses and the regular season approaches, it will be interesting to monitor Sarr’s journey. His resilience and response to early adversity will be crucial indicators of his potential trajectory in the NBA. For now, the focus remains on steady improvement and learning from each game, as Alex Sarr continues to navigate the early stages of his professional basketball career.