The anticipation surrounding Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Washington Wizards, has quickly turned into a rollercoaster ride of emotions for fans and analysts alike. The towering 7-foot center, heralded for his mobility and potential, has hit a significant bump during his early days at the Las Vegas Summer League.
During Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr struggled immensely, underscored by a scoreless, 0-of-15 shooting performance. This event marked the worst field goal attempt without a single make at the Summer League since 2017. The diversity of Sarr's shots—from perimeter attempts, with seven from beyond the arc, to runners and floaters in the paint—yielded no results, casting a shadow on what many saw as a promising debut.
Defensively, Sarr demonstrated glimpses of his potential by pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks. Yet, his offensive struggles are now a focal point for the Wizards' coaching and development teams, as they look to mold him into a formidable two-way player.
"This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," an unnamed source reflected on Sarr's journey. "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."
Indeed, Sarr's shooting has been a major concern. Over three games at the Summer League, he has scored a total of 20 points on a disappointing 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a meager 2-of-17 from three-point range. Such performance has led to growing concerns about his viability as a key player for the Wizards among the fanbase, which had initially been thrilled by his selection.
Physicality appears to be another area requiring significant improvement for Sarr. His slender frame has struggled against more robust opponents, highlighted by former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, Donovan Clingan, who notably blocked one of Sarr's moves to the rim during the Portland matchup. To progress within the NBA's physical demands, Sarr will need to commit to substantial muscle development.
Despite these challenges, it is crucial to remember that Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its infancy. The young player's attributes—his exceptional mobility and potential to play effectively on the perimeter—remain valued assets. The Washington Wizards' coaching staff is expected to work diligently on enhancing his physicality and refining his shooting capabilities.
The Wizards' fans and the NBA community are hopeful that Sarr can bridge the gap between potential and performance. While the early signs have been a mix of highs and lows, there remains a shared belief that with the right support and development, Sarr can evolve into a pivotal player for the franchise.
For now, the spotlight on Alex Sarr will grow brighter with each game, as the expectations blend with the reality of his current struggles. The hope is that these early hurdles will serve as a foundation for future success, as Sarr works to turn his raw talent into professional excellence.