Washington Wizards' No. 2 Pick, Alex Sarr, Faces Early Struggles
The Washington Wizards' decision to select Alex Sarr as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft generated considerable excitement among fans and analysts alike. Standing at seven feet tall, Sarr's blend of size and mobility made him one of the most intriguing prospects in a draft class ripe with talent. The initial enthusiasm, however, has been met with some early concerns following a series of challenging performances at the Las Vegas Summer League.
A Night to Forget in Las Vegas
Sarr's recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers was particularly tough to watch. The 7-foot center endured a brutal shooting night, missing all 15 of his attempts—seven of which came from beyond the arc. This performance marks the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017, a night Sarr will undoubtedly want to put behind him. Despite the poor shooting display, Sarr managed to contribute in other aspects, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks.
His shooting woes, highlighted by an array of missed shots including runners and floaters in the paint, underscore a glaring issue. Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, even managed to block one of Sarr’s moves to the rim, adding to his difficulties. For a player with Sarr's potential, these early struggles are concerning but not entirely unexpected. The transition to NBA-level competition is often fraught with growing pains.
Challenges of Physicality and Shooting
One of the significant concerns for Sarr has been his physicality. At seven feet tall and with his current build, Sarr is perceived to be in need of an additional 20-plus pounds of muscle to perform effectively at the NBA level. As one unnamed source put it, "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."
The shooting has indeed been another significant issue. Over three games in the Summer League, Sarr has managed just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a mere 2-of-17 from three-point range. This performance has left fans questioning his viability as a key player for the Wizards, a far cry from the initial excitement surrounding his selection.
Coaching and Development Efforts
Despite these early setbacks, the Washington Wizards' coaching staff and development team are optimistic about Sarr's potential. The need for enhancing his physicality and shooting ability is apparent, and they are committed to working closely with him to develop these aspects of his game. Wizards fans, though currently voicing concerns, are hopeful that Sarr can turn things around and become a formidable two-way player for the team.
It's worth noting that the pressure on rookies, particularly those drafted high, can sometimes result in early stumbles. Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its nascent stages, offering plenty of time for growth and adjustment. The Summer League is a learning ground, and experiences like these, while harsh, are invaluable for a player’s development.
The Road Ahead
The road ahead for Alex Sarr will undoubtedly be challenging. However, his raw potential and the support of a dedicated development team make his future with the Wizards an intriguing prospect. If he can overcome the current obstacles—improving his physicality and three-point shooting—there’s every reason to believe he can fulfill the promise that made him such a high draft pick. For now, patience and perseverance will be key as Alex Sarr navigates the early hurdles of his professional career.