In the world of basketball, all eyes are on Alex Sarr, the number two overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, as he navigates a rough summer league. Sarr’s recent performance against the Portland Trailblazers made headlines for all the wrong reasons, as he went 0-15 from the field, finishing the game with 0 points, three assists, and three blocks.
Many are now wondering if this rocky start is a sign of things to come for the young prospect, or if it’s simply a case of rookie growing pains. The Washington Wizards, who invested their faith in Sarr by selecting him with the second overall pick, are hoping for the latter.
While Sarr has always been known for his defensive prowess, his offensive struggles are starting to raise eyebrows. His draft profile pointed out his raw offensive skills, but few expected him to struggle this much. As the draft profile highlighted, “His defense is elite, but his offense needs work.”
Throughout the summer league, Sarr has indeed showcased his defensive abilities, averaging 6.7 rebounds and 3.0 blocks per game. However, his shooting percentage of 19.5% is a cause for concern. The NBA draft report may have warned of his offensive limitations, but no one anticipated just how stark they would appear on the court.
Despite his disappointing start, it’s premature to write off Sarr as a ‘bust.’ He’s only played three summer league games, and his official NBA career is yet to begin. So how can he turn things around and live up to his draft status?
One key adjustment for Sarr is to be more selective with his shot choices. It seems like he’s been forcing the issue in Summer League, perhaps feeling the weight of expectations. It’s important to remember that Sarr was a role player in his previous league, never starting a game in the NBL. As a sixth man, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks per game, excelling as a defensive specialist and vertical spacer on offense.
In the world of basketball, ups and downs are inevitable for any player. Sarr may be facing a rough patch now, but with time and adjustment, he has the potential to prove himself in the NBA. As the saying goes, it’s not how you start, but how you finish. And for Alex Sarr, the journey is only just beginning.
