Alex Sarr’s Challenges Raise Concerns for Wizards Fans
Alex Sarr, the highly anticipated No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, has encountered a rocky start to his Summer League campaign. In a much-discussed game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr’s performance left fans and analysts questioning his immediate impact and long-term potential.
Sarr, a towering 7-foot center known for his mobility and potential to play on the perimeter, struggled mightily on Tuesday. He posted a historically poor shooting performance, going scoreless on 0-of-15 shooting from the field. This marked the most field goal attempts without a make at the Summer League since 2017. Despite his size and versatility, Sarr was unable to connect on any of his shots, a mix of perimeter attempts and inside moves, including runners and floaters.
The 2024 NBA Draft had set high expectations for Sarr, whose selection initially excited Wizards fans. However, the latest performance shed light on some glaring issues. Sarr attempted seven shots from beyond the arc but failed to convert any, exacerbating concerns over his three-point shooting capabilities. Over the course of three games in the Summer League, Sarr has scored 20 points on a difficult 8-of-41 from the field, and only 2-of-17 from three-point range.
Physicality and Shooting Woes
"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," an unnamed source expressed.
The deficiencies in physicality and shooting were on full display against the Blazers. Former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, highlighted Sarr’s struggles by blocking one of his moves to the rim. Sarr’s perimeter-focused game, combined with a lack of strength, has made it challenging for him to finish effectively in the paint and beyond the arc.
Despite the offensive struggles, Sarr did contribute in other areas. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks during the game. These facets of his game suggest a multi-dimensional player capable of impacting various elements on the court. Nonetheless, for Sarr to fulfill his potential, significant development in shooting and physical strength is imperative.
Fan Reactions and Hopes
The initial excitement surrounding Sarr’s selection has tempered as Wizards fans start voicing concerns about his viability as a key player for the franchise. On social media, fans have expressed a mix of optimism and trepidation, hoping that the young center can quickly adapt and improve.
Sarr’s journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages, and there is a consensus that the team’s coaching staff and development team will need to focus intensely on enhancing his physicality and shooting ability. The blueprint for Sarr’s success likely involves a comprehensive approach to bulking up and refining his shot mechanics to ensure consistency from long range.
While the short-term outlook may seem daunting, the potential for long-term growth remains significant. Should Sarr manage to add the necessary muscle and improve his shooting, he possesses the raw attributes to become a formidable two-way player, a rare commodity in today's NBA. For now, the Washington Wizards and their fan base can only hope that Sarr's work ethic and the team's developmental efforts will pave the way for a breakthrough.
The coming months will be critical as Sarr, the coaching staff, and the strength and conditioning team strategize and implement a plan to elevate his game. Amid the immediate setbacks, the foundation for a promising career in the NBA remains, contingent on the right combination of effort, improvement, and patience.