Washington Wizards Rookie Alex Sarr Endures Night to Forget in Summer League
In the high-stakes environment of the Las Vegas Summer League, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr experienced a game he will undoubtedly wish to forget. The young prospect recorded a historic 0 of 15 shooting performance in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, a feat that had not been seen in Summer League history since at least 2017.
Despite the dismal shooting night, Sarr showcased his versatility on the court, contributing in other aspects of the game. He managed to pull down 9 rebounds, dish out 3 assists, and block 3 shots in less than 30 minutes of play. These stats highlight his potential impact on the game beyond scoring.
However, the shooting woes that plagued Sarr against Portland were not isolated to just one game. Across three Summer League outings, Sarr has struggled to find his shooting touch, failing to surpass a 35% shooting rate in any game. His overall shooting percentage from the field stands at a meager 19.5%, a figure that would concern any team looking for offensive production from their rookie.
Offensive struggles aside, Sarr has shown glimpses of his talent. He is currently averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League. Defensively, he has been a force, averaging 3 blocks per game, an impressive number that underscores his potential to be a defensive anchor.
One of the more glaring issues in Sarr's offensive game during the matchup with Portland was his perimeter shooting. He missed all seven of his 3-point attempts and also failed to convert on both of his free throw attempts. These missed opportunities further compounded his frustrating night.
Sarr's journey to the NBA has been quite unique. At just 19 years old, he spent the previous season playing in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. This experience was instrumental in his development and prepared him for the transition to professional basketball in the U.S.
While Sarr's performances in the Summer League have not been as impactful as he would have hoped, it is essential to remember his youth and the adjustment period required when transitioning to the NBA. The Wizards and their fans will be keenly watching to see how he works through these early career challenges and whether he can start to show the promise that earned him his spot on the roster.
As the Summer League progresses, Alex Sarr will have more opportunities to showcase his talent and make a stronger impression. While his shooting needs significant improvement, his rebounding, passing, and shot-blocking abilities already make him a valuable asset on the court. For the Wizards, the hope is that he can soon find his rhythm and emerge as a reliable all-around player.