Alex Sarr's Struggles Continue in Las Vegas Summer League
In a night that Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr would likely prefer to forget, he posted a historic 0 for 15 shooting performance in the Las Vegas Summer League. The Wizards fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, a loss further highlighted by Sarr’s unprecedented shooting woes.
According to Summer League records dating back to at least 2017, no player has attempted more field goals without making a single one until Sarr's unfortunate outing. The 19-year-old missed on all fronts, including an 0 for 7 mark from beyond the arc and coming up short on two free throw attempts.
This latest performance is not an isolated case of poor shooting for the young forward. In the three games he's played so far in Las Vegas, Sarr has failed to shoot above 35% in any of them, culminating in a concerning overall shooting percentage of 19.5% from the field.
Despite the shooting struggles, Sarr's game isn't entirely devoid of positive notes. In the game against Portland, he contributed in other areas with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks over less than 30 minutes of play. Furthermore, across the Summer League, Sarr is averaging a decent 6.7 points and rebounds per game, while also showcasing his defensive potential with an average of 3 blocks per game.
Sarr's professional journey began Down Under, where he played last season with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. The development program is designed to foster global talent, giving young prospects like Sarr the platform and exposure needed to make the jump to the NBA. At just 19 years old, Sarr has shown flashes of potential, but the NBA Summer League has proven to be a daunting stage for the rookie thus far.
Beyond the statistical anomaly, Sarr’s shooting woes may raise questions about his preparedness for the NBA level. Consistency and confidence in shooting are often the last skills to develop for young players making the leap from international play to the NBA. With his 19th birthday only recently celebrated, time is certainly on his side.
Observing other facets of his game, Sarr’s ability to impact the game defensively and on the boards is promising. Standing at 7 feet tall, his presence in the paint and defensive efficiency, as seen in his block averages, offer a silver lining to the dark cloud cast by his offensive struggles.
The immediate path forward for Sarr will involve intense shooting drills and perhaps mental conditioning to regain confidence. Integrating shooting coaches and focusing on shot mechanics can aid in ironing out the kinks of his jump shot and overall shooting form.
No direct quotes are available from Sarr or the Wizards’ coaching staff regarding the game, leaving room for speculation on the internal discussions taking place. However, given the competitive nature of the NBA Summer League and the high stakes for rookies, it's reasonable to anticipate a concerted effort to address and rectify these early hiccups in Sarr’s career.
As the Summer League progresses, all eyes will remain on Alex Sarr, scrutinizing his ability to rebound from this historically poor shooting performance. While the numbers may currently paint a dismal picture, the broader narrative is one of growth and adaptation, elements critical to a young player’s journey in professional basketball.
Sarr’s bid to establish himself in the NBA continues, and like any rookie, his trail will be marked by peaks and troughs. The hope for Wizards fans and the coaching staff is that the heights of his potential will eventually outshine the valleys of these early struggles.