Washington Wizards' Alex Sarr Endures Tough Night in Las Vegas Summer League
In a night he'd likely prefer to forget, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr endured a historic 0 of 15 shooting performance in the Las Vegas Summer League, contributing to the team's loss against the Portland Trail Blazers. This effort marked the most field goal attempts by a player without a single make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
While his shooting was far from ideal, Sarr managed to contribute in other areas, ending the game with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks in less than 30 minutes of action. Despite his shooting woes, the 19-year-old showed glimpses of his potential as a versatile player.
Through three Summer League games, Sarr’s shooting struggles have been a persistent issue. He has shot below 35% in each outing, culminating in an overall shooting percentage of just 19.5% from the field. This statistic underscores his difficulties in finding his rhythm offensively.
Despite averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League, Sarr's offensive efficiency remains a work in progress. His defensive efforts have been more impressive, as evidenced by his average of 3 blocks per game. This defensive prowess highlights his potential as a shot-blocker, an invaluable asset for any team.
Adding to his tough night against Portland, Sarr missed all seven of his 3-point attempts and both of his free throws. This combination of shooting struggles from various ranges certainly adds pressure on the young rookie to improve his shooting accuracy as the league progresses.
At just 19 years old, Sarr still has ample time to develop and refine his skills. His journey began in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats, as part of the NBL's Next Stars program, designed to develop NBA-caliber talent. This experience has provided him with a solid foundation, despite the current challenges in the Summer League.
The road ahead for Sarr will undoubtedly require perseverance and hard work to overcome his shooting difficulties. However, his rebounding, passing, and defensive efforts offer promising signs for his future contributions to the Wizards. For now, Sarr and the team will look for ways to turn his shooting inefficiencies into developmental milestones, continuing to build on his multifaceted skill set.