The Washington Wizards’ rookie, Alex Sarr, experienced a challenging night in the Las Vegas Summer League, etching his name into the record books for an unenviable reason. In a game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr attempted 15 shots from the field and failed to convert a single one, setting a record for the most field goal attempts by a player without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
This performance saw Sarr finish the game with 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 blocks over less than 30 minutes of play. Despite the off-night offensively, these statistics indicate Sarr's resilience and ability to contribute in other areas. Nonetheless, the 19-year-old's shooting struggle was a significant talking point, with the Wizards falling short to the Trail Blazers.
A Challenging Start in the Summer League
Alex Sarr's difficulty in finding his shooting rhythm has been evident throughout the Summer League. Across three games, he's shot below 35% in each outing, resulting in an overall field goal percentage of just 19.5%. Adding to his woes, Sarr missed all seven of his three-point attempts and both of his free throws in the game against Portland, underscoring the extent of his offensive struggles.
Contributions Beyond Scoring
While his shooting remains a work in progress, Sarr's performance in other facets of the game has been noteworthy. Averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League, the Wizards’ rookie has demonstrated his prowess on the boards. Furthermore, his defensive abilities shine through, with Sarr averaging an impressive 3 blocks per game in Las Vegas.
The athleticism and energy Sarr brings to the court are reminiscent of his time spent in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats as part of the NBL's Next Stars program. It was here that he honed his skills, preparing for the jump to the NBA and its competitive environment.
Looking Forward
At just 19 years old, Alex Sarr has a promising career ahead of him. Although his current shooting percentages are far from ideal, the Summer League is often a period of adjustment for new players. Sarr's ability to rebound, assist, and block shots indicates his potential to impact the game in multiple ways, even on nights when his scoring touch eludes him.
As the Summer League progresses, Wizards fans and coaches will undoubtedly be watching closely, eager to see how Sarr responds to this early adversity. His ability to maintain focus and continue contributing in other areas will be crucial as he seeks to refine his offensive game.
In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, growing pains are an expected part of a rookie's journey. For Alex Sarr, this journey has started with significant challenges, but his all-around capabilities provide a foundation upon which to build as he develops further.