Summer League Surprises: Should the Wizards Be Worried About Alex Sarr?
Every year, NBA fans eagerly await the Summer League to catch a glimpse of the league’s newest talent. It’s a time of excitement, hope, and sometimes disappointment. Teams are evaluating their latest draft picks, and fans are getting their first look at the future of the league. One of the biggest stories this summer has been the struggles of the Wizards’ number two pick, Alex Sarr. As teams prepare for the upcoming season, many are wondering: did the Wizards make a mistake?
The Shock of Summer League
Summer League performances are not necessarily a predictor of long-term success or failure. However, when the second overall pick struggles this much, alarm bells start to ring. Sarr, who entered the league with high expectations, has not performed at the level many hoped for, particularly on the offensive end. In fact, his early games have been downright concerning. His inefficiency was evident from the start, and in his third game, he posted an 0-for-15 stat line—tying for the second-worst game of all time if it had been in the regular season.
While nerves are expected, especially for rookies, the inefficiency is hard to ignore. Sarr posted the worst Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of any first-round player in Summer League, raising questions about why the Hawks passed on him with the first pick. Did they see this coming? Sarr had notably avoided interviews and workouts with the Hawks, trying to steer himself away from Atlanta. Could they have dodged a bullet?
Offensive Struggles Raise Concerns
One of the biggest questions surrounding Alex Sarr is his offensive ability—or lack thereof. The concern isn’t just based on his Summer League performance. These issues go back to his high school days, where coaches would beg him to be more aggressive on offense. At 7 feet tall, Sarr should have a physical advantage, yet his passivity is alarming. Instead of driving to the basket, Sarr has been settling for long jumpers, even after breaking defenders’ ankles with a jab step. His hesitation in attacking the rim, coupled with his struggles from the field, leaves many wondering if the Wizards have a long-term issue on their hands.
Looking at his stats from Australia last year, the concerns become more pronounced. He shot just 28% from the field (19% in Summer League) and scored only nine points per game. Is being passive on offense something that can be coached out of a player, or is it an inherent trait? Wizards fans have reason to be nervous. Since drafting John Wall in 2010, the franchise has seen its fair share of busts. With the number of talented players who were still on the board when Sarr was drafted—such as Reed Sheppard, Tyrese Haliburton, or even Jalen Williams—the Wizards may be left regretting their decision.
The Bright Side: Defense and Potential Upside
To be fair, it’s not all bad news for Sarr. His passing and rim protection have been highlights of his game. At his size, these are essential skills, and if he can figure out his offensive issues, he could still turn into a valuable player. The potential is there—he’s shown flashes of brilliance—but for a top pick, the inconsistency is worrying.
The Wizards are in a rebuilding phase, and Sarr has time to grow. It’s possible that once the regular season starts, his nerves will settle, and he’ll begin to show why he was a top pick. But for now, the Wizards have to feel at least a little nervous. After years of draft disappointments, this franchise cannot afford another bust.
A Look at the Number One Pick: Zachary Rishe
While the Wizards have their concerns, the Hawks must feel confident in their decision to draft Zachary Rishe with the number one pick. Though he only played two Summer League games due to a quad injury, Rishe made an immediate impact. His first bucket was a tough lefty finish over Sarr, and he followed it up with smooth ball-handling and no-look passes that showcased his playmaking ability.
Rishe’s defense is perhaps his best attribute, and his off-the-ball movement makes him a great fit alongside Trae Young. While it’s still early, Rishe appears to be the real deal, and Hawks fans should be excited about his future.
Reed Sheppard: The Sleeper Pick
Another player who stood out in Summer League was Reed Sheppard, who the Rockets drafted later in the first round. His debut, a 23-point performance against the Lakers, turned heads, but it was his poise under pressure that was even more impressive. In a game where the Timberwolves double- and triple-teamed him, Sheppard missed his first eight shots but adjusted by making tough passes and staying in control. His defense was stellar, and he averaged 20 points, three steals, and a block per game.
However, Sheppard’s rise to prominence presents a potential problem for Houston. The Rockets already have a young star guard in Jalen Green, who fell out of favor with coach Ime Udoka early last season due to inefficient shooting and poor defense. While Green turned things around towards the end of the season, Sheppard’s emergence could lead to some difficult decisions for the Rockets’ front office. Could Sheppard be Green’s replacement in Houston?
The Future of the Wizards
As the Summer League comes to a close, the Wizards find themselves in a familiar position—uncertain about their future. While it’s too early to declare Alex Sarr a bust, his struggles cannot be ignored. The franchise is desperate for a star player to lead them back to relevance, and they’re counting on Sarr to be that guy. But if his Summer League performance is any indication, they might be in for another long season.
In the best-case scenario, Sarr finds his confidence and adjusts to the speed and physicality of the NBA. But if his passivity continues to haunt him, the Wizards could once again find themselves at the top of the lottery next year. For now, all they can do is hope that their gamble on Sarr pays off in the long run.
