Washington Wizards Rookie Alex Sarr's Unforgettable Night in Las Vegas Summer League
In a performance that will be remembered for all the wrong reasons, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr set an unwanted record during the Las Vegas Summer League. Sarr's struggle was palpable as he failed to convert a single field goal, going 0 for 15 from the floor in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, marking the most field goal attempts by a player without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
Despite his shooting woes, Sarr managed to contribute in other areas. He finished the game with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks in less than 30 minutes of play. This multifaceted effort highlighted his potential beyond just scoring—demonstrating resilience and tenacity even when his shot wasn't falling.
However, Sarr's shooting struggles in the Summer League have been a recurring theme. Across three games, he has shot below 35% in each outing, culminating in a 19.5% shooting percentage overall. Clearly, the transition to the NBA's pace and defensive intensity has posed significant challenges for the 19-year-old.
Another area of concern has been Sarr's perimeter shooting. In the game against Portland, he missed all seven of his 3-point attempts, along with both of his free throws. This continued perimeter drought underscores the need for Sarr to adjust and find his rhythm, particularly with long-range shooting, which is increasingly vital in today's NBA.
Nevertheless, the young forward's defensive prowess has been a silver lining in his Summer League performance. Averaging 3 blocks per game, Sarr has shown a knack for protecting the rim and altering shots, attributes that are bound to endear him to the Wizards' coaching staff.
Additionally, Sarr is averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game, despite his shooting inefficiencies. These statistics indicate that once he overcomes his offensive issues, he has the potential to be a consistent contributor on both ends of the floor.
Prior to joining the Washington Wizards, Sarr honed his skills in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. This international experience undoubtedly helped to shape his game, offering him a diverse range of competitive settings before making his leap to the NBA.
At just 19 years old, Sarr has ample time to refine his game and develop into a more reliable scorer. The Wizards, and Sarr himself, will be hoping that his current shooting slump is just an early-career speed bump on what could be a long and successful journey in professional basketball.
The Summer League is often a time for growth and adjustment for young players, and Sarr's performance, while disappointing, is not without merit or potential. As he continues to acclimate to the NBA, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely, eager to see how he evolves from these formative experiences.