The Washington Wizards made waves in the 2024 NBA Draft by selecting Alex Sarr as the No. 2 overall pick. Standing at 7 feet tall, Sarr's potential was a major talking point among fans and analysts alike. An exceptionally mobile center who can operate on the perimeter, Sarr was highly regarded coming into the NBA. However, the early returns at the Las Vegas Summer League have sparked conversations around his immediate viability as a key player for the Wizards.
In Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr faced significant challenges. He endured a difficult night, going scoreless with an 0-of-15 shooting performance. This marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017. What compounded the difficulty was the variety of his missed attempts. Sarr took shots from different positions on the court, including seven from beyond the arc, as well as runners and floaters when he ventured into the paint.
Despite his offensive struggles, Sarr showcased his versatility in other areas of the game. He managed to pull down nine rebounds, dish out three assists, and record three blocks. His defensive presence remains notable, yet concerns linger about his shooting consistency and physicality.
Beyond his shooting woes, one play encapsulated the uphill battle Sarr faces. Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and No. 7 pick, blocked one of Sarr’s moves to the rim, highlighting the physicality gap he needs to bridge at the professional level. "He's going to need to put on 20-plus pounds of muscle to do what he wants on the floor," commented an unnamed source. "And I also don't fully trust the shooting from 3, which will be a key skill for him to hit on."
This sentiment is echoed in Sarr’s three-game Summer League performance. Over these games, he has scored 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field, including a challenging 2-of-17 from three-point range. The initial excitement surrounding his selection is giving way to a more measured hope that the Wizards' development team can refine his game.
Sarr’s situation is reminiscent of many young talents who enter the NBA with immense potential but need time to adjust to the rigors of the professional game. The Washington Wizards' coaching staff is tasked with the significant responsibility of enhancing Sarr's physicality and shooting ability. The team's development program will be crucial in shaping his future success.
"This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him," stated another anonymous source. "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."
As Sarr's journey with the Wizards is still in its early stages, there's a mutual hope between the player and the franchise. The fans remain hopeful that Sarr can overcome these early obstacles and develop into a formidable two-way player. While the initial signs present a reality check, there's optimism that with the right guidance and work ethic, Sarr can fulfill the promise that made him a top draft pick.
The coming months and seasons will be telling. The Wizards and their fan base are pinning their hopes on a player whose potential is as vast as the challenges he currently faces. Sarr’s ability to turn potential into performance will be one of the more intriguing storylines to follow.