The Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr as the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, primarily for his defensive prowess. However, his offensive game has been underwhelming, with the most glaring example being his scoreless, 0-of-15 shooting performance in the Las Vegas Summer League against the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday. According to ESPN, this marks the most field goal attempts without a make in Summer League since 2017.
A Struggling Offensive Game
Despite his towering 7-foot frame, Sarr prefers to play on the perimeter. His offensive strategy was evident in the game against the Trail Blazers, where he attempted numerous jump shots, including seven three-pointers, none of which found the net. When venturing into the paint, Sarr opted for runners or floaters instead of assertively attacking the rim. His solitary attempt to drive to the basket resulted in a robust rejection by Donovan Clingan, the No. 7 pick from UConn.
Alex Sarr Performance Analysis
While Sarr managed to contribute nine rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, his lack of offensive production remains a concern. Here’s a look at his scoring efforts across the three Summer League games:
- vs. Hawks: 12 points on 4-of-12 FG, including 2-of-5 3FG
- vs. Rockets: 8 points on 4-of-14 FG, including 0-of-5 3FG
- vs. Trail Blazers: 0 points on 0-of-15 FG, including 0-of-7 3FG
In total, Sarr has scored 20 points on 8-of-41 shooting from the field overall and 2-of-17 from three-point range.
Pre-Draft Concerns and Current Realities
Adam Finkelstein graded Sarr’s draft selection with a B+ but expressed concerns about his lack of physicality and inconsistent outside shooting. These concerns have proven accurate so far.
“This is what Sarr wanted. He wanted to be with the Wizards, and the Wizards wanted him. 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,” Finkelstein noted.
Moving Forward to Alex Sarr
Alex Sarr and the Wizards have another opportunity to rectify these issues when they face the Sacramento Kings on Thursday night at 7 p.m. ET, a game that will be broadcast live on ESPN. The Wizards and their fans will be eager to see if Sarr can overcome his offensive struggles and demonstrate the potential that made him such a high draft pick.
Conclusion
While Alex Sarr’s defensive capabilities remain promising, his offensive struggles in the Summer League are a cause for concern. The upcoming games will be crucial for Sarr to prove his worth and make necessary adjustments to justify his high draft selection and help the Wizards in the upcoming season.
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