In what will likely be a forgettable outing for the young Washington Wizards rookie, Alex Sarr etched his name into the Las Vegas Summer League’s record books with a performance emblematic of the highs and lows that can come with early professional play. Sarr went 0-for-15 from the field in a disheartening loss to the Portland Trail Blazers, setting a dubious record for the most field goal attempts without a make in a Summer League game since at least 2017.
Tough Night in Las Vegas
The evening was a tale of frustration and perseverance for the 19-year-old, who could not find his rhythm offensively. He missed all seven of his three-point attempts and both free throws, finishing the game at a historic low point. Yet, Sarr managed to contribute in other areas, demonstrating the versatility that made him a Next Stars program standout in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the Perth Wildcats in Western Australia. Over the course of the game, he managed to snag 9 rebounds, dish out 3 assists, and tally 3 blocks in just under 30 minutes of play.
Struggles from the Field
Sarr's shooting woes in Las Vegas are not isolated to this single game. Through three Summer League games, he has struggled to find his shot, consistently firing at below 35%. Overall, he’s shooting a mere 19.5% from the field, an alarming figure that he and the Wizards will need to address moving forward.
Despite these struggles, Sarr has shown glimpses of his potential. Averaging 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League, he remains a critical presence on the defensive end, where his average of 3 blocks per game stands out. These defensive contributions suggest a player who, while currently cold from the field, has the potential to impact games in multiple ways.
The Ups and Downs of Youth
At 19, Sarr is navigating the understandably turbulent waters of transitioning to the NBA. His time in the NBL’s Next Stars program prepared him in part for the rigors of higher-level professional competition, but the Summer League has laid bare the steep learning curve many rookies face.
Unquestionably, Sarr’s zero-for-fifteen night is a bump in the road, but it is also a testament to the patience and persistence required at this level of the game. The Wizards’ coaching staff and fans alike can take solace in the fact that his shooting struggles have not detracted from his defensive performance or his ability to contribute in other facets of the game.
A Bright Future Ahead
The Las Vegas Summer League is a proving ground where young talent learns, adapts, and grows. For Alex Sarr, it’s an early chapter in what the Wizards hope will be a long and successful career. Remaining optimistic, Washington fans can look at his contributions outside of scoring and maintain hope for a more consistent offensive output as he continues to acclimate to the NBA’s pace and physicality.
While the young forward might be eager to put the record-setting night behind him, each game presents a formative experience that contributes to his development. As the Summer League progresses and Sarr continues to refine his skills, there is every opportunity for him to rewrite the narrative of his early NBA journey, using the lessons learned from nights like these to fuel future success.