Summer League Shocker: Number 2 Pick Struggles While Rising Stars Shine
As the dust settles on the 2024 NBA Summer League, one thing has become clear: the future of the NBA is still filled with uncertainty, especially for one highly anticipated rookie. While the Summer League serves as a testing ground for young talents, it also provides an early look into their readiness for the NBA. This year, the spotlight was firmly on Alex Sarr, the number two overall pick by the Washington Wizards. Unfortunately for Wizards fans, Sarr’s performance was anything but reassuring, raising questions about whether their franchise made a costly mistake.
Sarr’s Shaky Start: Summer League Struggles
From the start, Sarr faced significant challenges. His debut performance was marked by inefficiency, and by his third game, he had hit rock bottom with an 0-for-15 shooting performance. If this had been the regular season, it would have tied for the second-worst game in NBA history. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) was the lowest among all first-round picks, making it difficult to ignore his underwhelming start. For a player of his size and draft status, this was highly unusual.
The Wizards must be feeling nervous after watching their number two pick struggle against what is essentially G-League-level competition. If Sarr couldn’t perform well in the Summer League, how will he fare against elite defenders like Anthony Davis or Bam Adebayo? His lack of aggression, a problem dating back to high school, became even more apparent as he continually settled for long jump shots instead of using his 7-foot frame to dominate in the paint.
Despite his size, Sarr attempted 17 three-pointers but only drew four free throws throughout the entire Summer League. This raises a fundamental question: Can the Wizards rely on him to be a key offensive player? His passive playstyle, once a concern in high school and overseas, could become a defining flaw in his NBA career.
The Overtime Elite Issue: A Long-Standing Concern
Before entering the NBA, Sarr honed his skills at Overtime Elite, a program designed to prepare high school players for the professional stage. But even there, coaches had to constantly encourage him to be more aggressive. His hesitation was baffling, especially given his physical advantages. He would often break defenders with a jab step, only to settle for a mid-range jumper rather than attacking the rim.
This was not a new concern. In Australia last year, Sarr averaged just nine points per game on 28% shooting from the field. His poor shooting persisted into Summer League, where he shot an abysmal 19% in his first three games. For a top pick, this kind of inefficiency is alarming. The Wizards have a history of missing on draft picks, and fans are already worried that Sarr might be another bust in the making.
Bright Spots: Other Standout Performances in Summer League
While Sarr’s struggles dominated headlines, other players took advantage of their time in the spotlight, proving that this draft class might still have some hidden gems. One of the standout performers was Reed Sheppard, who was passed over by the Wizards for Sarr. Sheppard debuted with an impressive 23 points against the Los Angeles Lakers and showcased his versatility throughout the tournament. He was particularly notable for his playmaking, demonstrating his ability to handle double teams and create for his teammates with smart, tough passes.
Sheppard finished the Summer League averaging 20 points per game on efficient shooting splits (49% from two, 39% from three). His ability to contribute on both ends of the floor has many wondering if the Houston Rockets struck gold with this late-round pick. His success has raised eyebrows, particularly because the Rockets already have a young star guard in Jalen Green. Green, who struggled with inefficient shooting and defensive lapses early in his career, may now be facing competition for his spot.
The Rise of Scotty Pippen Jr. and Bronny James
Another notable performer was Scotty Pippen Jr., son of NBA legend Scottie Pippen. Despite being undersized at 6’1″, Pippen Jr. put together one of the best Summer League performances in history, averaging 20 points, five rebounds, and eight assists per game. He even led the Memphis Grizzlies to the Summer League final, posting a 23-point triple-double in the process. While there are questions about whether his game will translate to the NBA, Pippen Jr. has certainly earned a chance to prove himself.
Bronny James, the son of LeBron James, also made headlines, though for more modest reasons. After a slow start, Bronny bounced back with back-to-back games of 12 and 13 points, hitting about 50% of his shots from the field. While his performance didn’t set the league on fire, it was a promising sign for a player carrying the immense pressure of his father’s legacy.
The Future of Jalen Green in Houston
Sheppard’s emergence has led to speculation about Jalen Green’s future in Houston. Green, who showed flashes of brilliance last season, particularly after Alperen Şengün’s injury, has struggled with inconsistency. In March, he averaged 28 points per game on 40% shooting from deep, one of the best stretches of his young career. However, his inefficiencies and lack of defense have made him a liability at times.
With Sheppard now in the mix, and rumors swirling about Houston’s interest in acquiring a star, the Rockets may be looking to trade Green. According to reports, the Rockets have their eyes on players like Zion Williamson, Devin Booker, and Donovan Mitchell. If Sheppard continues to develop, Green’s days in Houston could be numbered.
The Wizards’ Decision: Another Bust or Just Growing Pains?
As for the Wizards, they are left hoping that Alex Sarr’s Summer League performance was merely a blip and not an indication of what’s to come. While it’s too early to label Sarr a bust, his struggles have raised serious concerns. Wizards fans, who have endured years of disappointment since the John Wall era, are understandably nervous.
Sarr’s lack of aggression and poor shooting percentage could be early warning signs of a long-term issue, but there is still hope that he will adjust to the NBA game. The Summer League is, after all, a small sample size, and many great players have had rocky starts to their careers.
For now, all eyes are on Sarr as he prepares for his rookie season. If he can’t turn things around quickly, the Wizards may be left wondering what could have been, especially with other potential stars like Reed Sheppard and Scotty Pippen Jr. making waves in the same Summer League that saw Sarr falter.
In the end, the 2024 NBA Summer League may have provided a glimpse into the league’s future — one filled with both promise and uncertainty. Only time will tell which of these young stars will rise and which may ultimately fall short of their potential.
