7’0”, 7’5” Wingspan! The Second Overall Pick Already a Bust After Four Games?

The NBA Summer League is in full swing, and as always, the spotlight is on the rookies. This year is no exception. Although this draft class was considered weak, the addition of players like Bronny James, Trenton Flowers, and the Chinese national team has drawn considerable attention. Among the many players, the second overall pick, Alex Sarr, stands out, but not for the reasons one might expect. His performances have sparked widespread discussion, not because he's exceptionally good, but because he's been exceptionally bad.

So far, the Washington Wizards have played four games in the Summer League, and Sarr has only managed to put up a decent performance in the first game. Against the Atlanta Hawks, led by the first overall pick and fellow French rookie Alexandre Risacher, Sarr played 32 minutes, shooting 4-of-12 from the field and 2-of-5 from three, finishing with 12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 blocks, and 1 steal. The Wizards won 94-88. However, in the following three games, Sarr’s performance was abysmal:

• In the second game against the Houston Rockets, Sarr shot 4-of-14 from the field and missed all five of his three-point attempts, finishing with 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists. In stark contrast, the Rockets' third overall pick, Jarace Walker, shot 9-of-15 from the field, scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists. Orlando Robinson, an undrafted player from last year who matched up against Sarr, had 22 points and 15 rebounds.
• In the third game against the Portland Trail Blazers, Sarr shot an astonishing 0-of-15 from the field, 0-of-7 from three, and missed both his free throws, scoring zero points but grabbing 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and 1 steal. His 15 missed shots without a single make set the worst record in the past seven years of Summer League play. Had this been a regular-season game, it would have been the second-worst performance in history, with the record being 0-of-17 by Tim Hardaway.
• In the fourth game against the Sacramento Kings, Sarr shot 1-of-6 from the field, scoring only 2 points but grabbing 11 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Despite his poor shooting, his crucial offensive rebound, passing, and defense helped the Wizards secure a win. However, his shooting woes continued.

Over the four games, Sarr has shot a dismal 9-of-47 from the field (19.1%) and 2-of-17 from three (11.7%), scoring a total of 22 points, the same amount that Jarace Walker scored in just one game. On the bright side, Sarr has grabbed 31 rebounds and recorded 13 assists and 10 blocks, showcasing some defensive and playmaking potential.

Alex Sarr is currently 19 years old, standing at 7’0” (2.13 meters) with a 7’5” (2.26 meters) wingspan, making him a true physical specimen. Born into a basketball family, Sarr started playing at age four, joined Real Madrid’s youth team at 14, and moved to the Overtime Elite league in the United States at 16. In the 2022-23 season, he was named to the Overtime Elite second team. Last season, Sarr joined the Perth Wildcats in the Australian NBL, where he played 27 games, averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 1.5 blocks in 17.3 minutes per game, shooting 52% from the field, 29% from three, and 71% from the free-throw line.

Scouting reports highlight Sarr’s strengths as his exceptional athleticism, explosiveness, and finishing ability. Despite his size, he moves like a big wing, has some ball-handling skills, and can drive to the basket. His early systematic training has given him good passing instincts, and his mobility allows him to switch on defense effectively. However, his weaknesses include his slender frame, which needs more strength to withstand physical play. Offensively, he prefers jump shots but lacks consistency, and his shooting form needs improvement. His ball-handling, while adequate, is not polished, making him prone to traveling under pressure. His left-hand finishing is also a noted weakness.

The scouting report compares him to Evan Mobley, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Jonathan Isaac, indicating his potential as a defensive stalwart. Sarr has indeed shown flashes of defensive brilliance in the Summer League, but his offensive struggles, particularly his poor shooting and inability to finish at the rim, are alarming for a player standing at 7’0”.

Given his offensive woes, some have already labeled Sarr as a potential bust, even worse than James Wiseman. However, it’s premature to make such a judgment after only four games. Many NBA stars had rough starts in the Summer League. For instance, the recent Finals MVP Jaylen Brown shot just 5-of-26 (19.2%) in his first three Summer League games, comparable to Sarr’s performance.

What’s more concerning for Sarr is his developmental environment. The Wizards currently lack a strong mentorship structure. Their leading players, Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, are known for their high usage and not for their defensive prowess. This lack of defensive culture and guidance could hinder Sarr’s growth, making his early career a challenging “hell mode.”

Looking at recent high picks from France, Victor Wembanyama is the most notable and successful. However, other French prospects such as Frank Ntilikina (8th pick), Killian Hayes (7th pick), Ousmane Dieng (11th pick), Sekou Doumbouya (15th pick), Guerschon Yabusele (16th pick), and Bilal Coulibaly (7th pick last year, also with the Wizards) have struggled, with some failing to secure long-term roles in the NBA. One can only hope that Alexandre Risacher and Alex Sarr will buck this trend and live up to their potential.

As Sarr navigates the early stages of his NBA journey, he must focus on honing his skills, improving his shooting mechanics, and adding strength to his frame. His defensive potential is evident, but translating that into a successful NBA career will require significant work and the right support system. The road ahead is tough, but with perseverance and the right opportunities, Sarr can still carve out a successful path in the league.