Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr Faces Early Career Challenges
Alex Sarr, the highly-touted No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, is experiencing a rocky start to his professional career. In what has so far been a turbulent Las Vegas Summer League for the young center, the challenges he faces are becoming increasingly evident.
Standing at 7 feet tall, Sarr's unique ability to play on the perimeter initially positioned him as one of the most exciting prospects in the draft. "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,” noted a source familiar with the team’s internal discussions.
However, this promise has been overshadowed by a worrying performance on the court. During Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr struggled immensely, going 0-of-15 from the field. This scoreless outing, marked by an array of missed shots—including seven attempts from beyond the arc—was reportedly the most field goal attempts without a make in Summer League since 2017.
His attempts weren't limited to just the perimeter; Sarr also tried to score with runners and floaters inside the paint. Nonetheless, despite his efforts, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, managed to block one of Sarr's moves to the rim, further highlighting the physicality and skill gap Sarr is currently facing.
While the shooting woes dominate the headlines, Sarr's performance was not without positive notes. He showcased his versatility by pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks during the same game. This well-rounded stat line suggests that while his shooting is a significant concern, Sarr brings other valuable skills to the table.
In his first three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has scored a total of 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field. Even more concerning is his performance from the three-point range, where he has made only 2-of-17 attempts. These statistics have started to raise questions among fans and analysts about his capacity to function as a key player for the Wizards.
One of the primary issues identified is Sarr's 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," noted the same inside source. The Wizards' coaching staff and development team are aware of these challenges and will be focused on enhancing both his physicality and shooting ability as his career progresses.
The initial excitement surrounding Sarr's selection has given way to a more cautious optimism, as fans begin to voice their concerns. The potential is undoubtedly there, given his exceptional mobility and versatility for a player of his height, but realizing this potential will require significant development and adjustment.
It bears mentioning that Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages. The pressures of professional basketball, combined with the weight of expectations that accompany a high draft pick, can often lead to a rocky start. Fans and coaches alike are hopeful that Sarr can acclimate to the professional level and become the formidable two-way player many believe he can be.
As the Summer League continues and the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Sarr. The coming months will be crucial for his development, both physically and technically. If he manages to overcome these early hurdles, the Wizards may very well have a future star in their ranks.