Washington Wizards Rookie Struggles in Summer League
Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr experienced a difficult night in the Las Vegas Summer League, setting a dubious record with a 0-for-15 shooting performance in a defeat to the Portland Trail Blazers. This effort marked the most field goal attempts by a player without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
Despite the shooting woes, Sarr contributed in other areas, finishing with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks in less than 30 minutes of action. However, his struggles from the field have been a recurring theme, as he has shot below 35% in each of his three Summer League games. Overall, Sarr’s field goal percentage stands at a mere 19.5%.
The 19-year-old French forward’s scoring average mirrors his rebounding, as he is putting up 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game. On the defensive end, Sarr has shown promise, averaging an impressive 3 blocks per game in Las Vegas.
His shooting struggles were most pronounced against Portland, where he missed all seven of his 3-point attempts and failed to convert both of his free throws. The combination of these missed opportunities painted a bleak picture for Sarr's offensive performance, as the Wizards continue to seek more consistent production from their young prospect.
After spending last season in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program, Sarr came into the Summer League with high expectations. While his defense and rebounding have been solid, his offensive game clearly requires significant development. The transition from the Australian league to the NBA level has proven to be a challenging one.
As the Summer League progresses, the Wizards coaching staff will likely focus on helping Sarr find his rhythm and confidence on the offensive end. Developing a reliable shooting stroke and adjusting to the physicality and pace of the NBA will be critical steps for Sarr as he looks to make an impact for Washington in the upcoming season.
At just 19, Alex Sarr has the time and potential to grow, and the Summer League serves as a crucial learning experience for him. The hope is that nights like the one against Portland will become teaching moments that shape his development into a more effective and consistent NBA player.