In a performance that will be etched into the annals of Summer League history, Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr put up a shocking 0-for-15 shooting night, marking a dismal outing in a 91-73 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers in Las Vegas. This bewildering display sets a new benchmark for shooting woes in Summer League contests since at least 2017, making Sarr's evening one of the most memorable for all the wrong reasons.
Historic Shooting Struggles
Sarr's dismal shooting display against Portland was not just an isolated event, but rather a continuation of a troubling trend throughout the Summer League. Across three games, he has struggled to find his footing, shooting below 35% in each contest. Overall, Sarr is hitting just 19.5% from the field, a disappointing mark for any player, let alone one with his pedigree and potential.
Contributions Beyond Scoring
Despite his historic shooting woes, Sarr managed to contribute in other areas on the court against Portland. He grabbed 9 rebounds, dished out 3 assists, and blocked 3 shots in less than 30 minutes of play, showcasing his ability to impact the game outside of scoring. His averages of 6.7 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the Summer League further illustrate his multifaceted game, though his inability to convert shots remains a glaring issue.
One particularly glaring aspect of Sarr's game against Portland was his performance from beyond the arc and at the free-throw line. He missed all seven of his 3-point attempts and both of his free throws, underscoring the breadth of his shooting struggles. For a player touted for his potential, these numbers are particularly concerning.
A Young Player with Promise
At just 19 years old, Alex Sarr's journey is only just beginning. He spent the previous season in Western Australia with the Perth Wildcats, being a part of the NBL's Next Stars program intended to develop burgeoning talent. His time in Australia was considered a significant step toward his NBA aspirations, providing him with valuable professional experience. However, transitioning to NBA-level competition has clearly presented its own set of challenges.
Despite these early missteps, Sarr's ability to stuff the stat sheet in areas other than scoring suggests there is a foundation to build upon. Averaging 3 blocks per game in Las Vegas, his defensive prowess has been a bright spot amidst his offensive difficulties. This kind of defensive impact typically takes young players years to develop, and his immediate contributions on that end of the floor are promising.
The Washington Wizards and their fans will undoubtedly hope that Sarr's shooting struggles in the Summer League are just an early career anomaly rather than a sign of things to come. Coaches often emphasize that the Summer League is a learning experience, a time for young players to adjust to the speed and physicality of the NBA. The spotlight on Sarr now includes both his glaring misfires and his underlying potential—a dual narrative that will follow him as he continues his journey in professional basketball.
Looking ahead, the Wizards' development staff will have their work cut out for them in refining Sarr's shooting mechanics and rebuilding his confidence. His performance so far indicates that he possesses the work ethic and defensive skill set necessary to succeed; the challenge lies in translating these attributes into a more complete and balanced on-court presence.
While his Summer League experience has been a trial by fire, it is through these very trials that many players forge the resilience and skills needed to thrive in the NBA. Sarr's future remains unwritten, and though his Las Vegas stint has been rocky, it also showcases the trials young athletes must overcome to achieve greatness at the highest level of the sport.