Washington Wizards' Rookie Alex Sarr Struggles in Las Vegas Summer League
The Las Vegas Summer League often serves as a proving ground for rookies, but for Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr, it has become a challenging experience. In a recent game against the Portland Trail Blazers, the 19-year-old had an unforgettable, and perhaps unfortunate, performance. Sarr went 0 for 15 from the field, setting a new benchmark for the most field goal attempts without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
The young forward's shooting woes were glaring. He missed all seven of his attempts from beyond the arc and both of his free throws. Despite his offensive struggles, Sarr demonstrated significant defensive contributions. In less than 30 minutes on the court, he grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and recorded 3 blocks.
Sarr's shooting difficulties are not just a one-game anomaly. Throughout his three Summer League games, he has consistently shot below 35% in each outing. Overall, Sarr is hitting just 19.5% from the field, a concerning statistic for any player but particularly disheartening for a rookie looking to make an impression.
While his offensive statistics leave much to be desired, there have been bright spots in Sarr's performance. He is averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League, along with an impressive 3 blocks per game. Clearly, his defensive skills and rebounding ability are areas where the young rookie has shown promise.
Sarr's journey to the NBA and the Summer League has been unique. Prior to joining the Wizards, he spent last season in Western Australia, playing for the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. This opportunity allowed him to develop his game against seasoned professionals, prepping him for the challenges of NBA competition.
At just 19 years old, Sarr has a considerable amount of time to improve and refine his game. His Summer League performance, while marked by its ups and downs, is just the beginning of his professional career. The Summer League serves as a learning experience, and it's evident that Sarr is going through growing pains that many young players face.
For the Wizards, Sarr's performance is a tale of potential untapped. His defensive feats and rebounding prowess offer glimpses of what he could become with further development. If he can translate his defensive contributions into offensive consistency, he could very well turn into a valuable asset for Washington.
Given his current Summer League shooting average of below 35%, and his total field goal percentage of 19.5%, Sarr will need to focus on improving his accuracy and shot selection. These adjustments are crucial for his transition from a troubled rookie to a competent NBA contributor.
The road ahead for Alex Sarr may be filled with challenges, but his determination and skillset lay a foundation for potential success. As he works on his game, fans and analysts alike will be watching keenly to see if he can overcome his shooting slump and deliver on the promise he has shown in other areas of play.