Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, had a night to forget during the Washington Wizards' clash against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League. The 7-foot center, who has shown glimpses of promise, was unable to find his shooting rhythm, ending the game with a scoreless, 0-of-15 performance from the field. This marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017.
Sarr’s struggles were especially evident from beyond the arc, where he attempted seven three-pointers but failed to convert any. His shots included a mix of runners and floaters when he ventured into the paint, yet none found their mark. Adding to his woes, Donovan Clingan, a former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, blocked one of Sarr’s attempts at the rim.
Despite his offensive challenges, Sarr made his presence felt in other aspects of the game. He pulled down nine rebounds, dished out three assists, and recorded three blocks. However, his overall shooting performance continues to be a concern. Over the course of three games at the Las Vegas Summer League, Sarr has managed just 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a dismal 2-of-17 from three-point range.
Fan reactions have been mixed. When Sarr was drafted, there was widespread excitement among Wizards’ supporters. His exceptional mobility for a 7-footer who can play on the perimeter was a key reason for optimism. Yet, the recent string of poor shooting performances has led to growing concerns about his viability as a key player for the Wizards.
A critical issue pinpointed by analysts is Sarr’s physicality. An unnamed source close to the Wizards stated, “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.”
Sarr’s early struggles have placed the onus on the Wizards' coaching staff and development team to enhance his game. The primary areas of focus will be boosting his physicality and improving his shooting efficiency, particularly from long range. While the journey for Sarr is still in its early stages with Washington, the franchise and its fans are hopeful that he can turn things around and develop into a formidable two-way player.
Sarr’s path in the NBA is a work in progress, and adjustments will be necessary for him to meet the high expectations placed upon him as the No. 2 pick. The Wizards have invested in his potential, and both the team and the fans are eager to see him succeed. As the Summer League progresses and the regular season approaches, all eyes will be on Alex Sarr, awaiting the breakout performance that could signal the beginning of a promising career.