Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr endured a challenging evening in the Las Vegas Summer League, recording a historical low in a loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The 19-year-old guard missed all 15 of his field goal attempts, marking the most attempts by a player without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
Despite his shooting struggles, Sarr showcased his versatility in other aspects of the game. He managed to grab 9 rebounds, dish out 3 assists, and tally 3 blocks in just under 30 minutes of play. This well-rounded performance highlighted his potential and effort on the court, even though the shots weren't falling.
However, Sarr's shooting woes in the Summer League appear to be part of a larger trend. Across three games, he has been unable to shoot above 35% in any outing, with his overall shooting percentage languishing at 19.5%. Such statistics are particularly concerning for a player whose role on the team is expected to include a significant scoring component.
Struggles from Beyond the Arc
Sarr's night against Portland was particularly frustrating from long range. He missed all seven of his three-point attempts and failed to convert either of his free throws. This performance has only added to his woes from beyond the arc, making it clear that he has some work to do on his shooting mechanics and confidence from distance.
Consistency in Defensive Contributions
Yet, it's not all bleak for the Frenchman. Defensively, Sarr has been a standout performer for the Wizards in Las Vegas. He is currently averaging 3 blocks per game, and his ability to alter shots and control the paint has been one of the bright spots in his Summer League campaign. His averages of 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game reflect a player who, despite his offensive struggles, contributes significantly in other facets of the game.
Building on International Experience
Before joining the Wizards, Sarr honed his skills with the Perth Wildcats in Western Australia, participating in the NBL's Next Stars program. This experience was expected to foster a smoother transition to the NBA-style game, but the Summer League has proven to be a tough adjustment period for him. Sarr's time in Australia undoubtedly developed parts of his game, but the heightened level of competition in the NBA's Summer League has exposed areas that need further refinement.
As a 19-year-old with potential, Sarr has the opportunity to learn from these early professional growing pains. The Summer League is designed for player development and discovering how well young talents can adapt to the speed, physicality, and skill set required at the NBA level. For Sarr, the key will be to absorb these lessons quickly and translate them into improved performance on the court.
The Wizards will continue to monitor Sarr's progress closely as they evaluate his role and potential contribution to the team. His defensive prowess and rebounding ability are attributes worth nurturing, but improvements in his shooting consistency will be necessary for him to become a well-rounded player.
In conclusion, Alex Sarr's rough night in the Las Vegas Summer League is a reminder of the challenges young players face when stepping onto a bigger stage. With continued hard work and focus, Sarr can overcome this rough patch and demonstrate the talent and promise that brought him to the Wizards in the first place.