In the world of professional basketball, the path to greatness is often paved with both triumphs and setbacks. For Alex Sarr, the No. 2 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, the early stages of his journey have highlighted just how steep that road can be.
Standing at a towering 7 feet, Sarr’s physical presence on the court is undeniable. However, the young center struggled mightily in Tuesday's game against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Las Vegas Summer League. His scoreless, 0-of-15 shooting performance was a stark contrast to the promise that had many fans excited about his potential. This subpar showing marked the most field goal attempts without a make at Summer League since 2017, a historical footnote that underscores the challenging start to his professional career.
Sarr’s attempts came from various spots on the floor. He showcased his versatility by taking shots primarily from the perimeter, with seven of those attempts beyond the arc. Nonetheless, the ball just wouldn’t find the basket. Despite his struggles, Sarr remained active on both ends of the court, pulling down nine rebounds, dishing out three assists, and recording three blocks during the game. “This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him,” an unnamed source commented.
A Rocky Start
Sarr’s shooting woes have not been limited to just one game. In his three-game stint at the Las Vegas Summer League, he has managed to score only 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field. His three-point shooting—a key skill for any modern big man—has been particularly concerning, with just 2-of-17 attempts finding the mark. These figures have naturally led to concerns among the Wizards’ faithful about whether Sarr can become the cornerstone player they had envisioned.
Physical and Mental Hurdles Ahead
Another layer to Sarr’s early struggles is his physicality, or rather the lack thereof. Sarr, described as an exceptionally mobile 7-footer who can play on the perimeter, appears to be in need of adding muscle to compete effectively at the highest level. “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,” the unnamed source added. It's a challenge that countless young big men have faced upon entering the league, and one that Sarr will need to confront head-on.
According to those close to the Wizards, the team's coaching staff and development team are well aware of Sarr’s needs. Work on improving his physicality and shooting ability is expected to be a primary focus in the weeks and months ahead. These areas of development are crucial if Sarr is to transform into a formidable two-way player, capable of making significant contributions on both ends of the court.
Experience as a Teacher
Despite the rocky start, Sarr’s journey is still in its infancy. Donning the Wizards’ jersey, he joined an organization and a fanbase eager to see him succeed. It is worth noting that many players who eventually reach stardom in the NBA encounter rough patches early on. The path from hopeful draft pick to reliable professional is rarely smooth.
In the midst of the Summer League, Sarr’s mettle was tested not just by his shooting woes but also by fierce opposition. Donovan Clingan, the former UConn standout and the No. 7 pick, made his presence felt by blocking one of Sarr’s moves to the rim, showcasing the level of competition Sarr will regularly face in the NBA.
While these early struggles may dim the immediate enthusiasm, they also set the stage for a compelling narrative of growth and redemption. The Wizards’ fans hold onto hope that these early lessons will pave the way for Sarr to turn things around. “Many thought he was the best prospect in this draft,” the unnamed source said, reflecting the high expectations that still surround the young center.
As the Summer League progresses, all eyes will remain on Sarr, anticipating the moment he finds his stride. With a combination of raw talent, dedicated coaching, and a rigorous physical development regimen, there is every possibility that Alex Sarr will grow into the player that the Washington Wizards— and their fans—are yearning for.