Stop me if you’ve heard this before: Washington Wizards rookie Alex Sarr had a rough Summer League.
Averaging 5.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game, it certainly wasn’t all bad. However, when the No. 2 pick in the NBA Draft shoots 19.1 percent from the field and 11.8 percent from 3, it’s sure to cause a stir. One even wonders what his team —teammates, coaches, and executives —thought about his performance.
Yet, in Las Vegas, Wizards head coach Brian Keefe was right there. After his up close view of their rookie, he had a lot to say. To what may be the surprise of some, the (public) review was all positive.
Wizards’ Brian Keefe Dives Deep Into Alex Sarr’s Potential
In an interview with Monumental Sports Network’s Chase Hughes, Keefe explained why his team is high on the 19-year-old.
“…Obviously you see the versatility,” Keefe says. “He brings it to both ends, but especially defensively. He can guard all different types of positions.”
“He’s got the ability to be a three-level scorer at some point,” he continues. “But one thing that has stood out to us is his ability to see the game and read the game. He’s a good passer, so we want the ball in his hands to explore those opportunities for him to make plays for himself and others.”
“We’re going to play a little bit positionless to where a lot of people will handle and make decisions,” the Massachusetts native reveals.
Breaking Down The Scouting Report
There’s nothing to debate about Keefe’s scouting report on Sarr.
As a true 7-footer, the lithe Sarr has demonstrated the ability to be a defensive menace.
Nothing to see here, just Alex Sarr breaking up a pick and roll lob pass and playing defense like he’s already a seasoned veteran. pic.twitter.com/aOe20uTwRz
— Dan Olinger (@dan_olinger) July 13, 2024
A big man who knows exactly how to use his length, he frequently turns away shots. Indeed, there’ll be a point when his reputation as a rim-protector makes his opponents second guess their chances of scoring in the paint. Yet, because Sarr’s fluid enough to guard smaller players in space, hovering on the perimeter isn’t exactly a solution.
For all of the criticisms that Sarr has faced since Summer League, none have been about his defense. There’s a reason for that. However, his defensive baseline has always been higher than his offensive baseline. That’s what makes all the hurrah about his scoring struggles hoopla.
Still, as Keefe notes, Sarr has a chance to be a three-level scorer. In order to do that, the Frenchman needs to work on his touch, strength, and footwork. As he sharpens those tools, he should be placed in a hybrid role that allows him to play to his natural strengths in pick-and-roll, whether popping or rolling.
Was ready to say how #Sarr sets pnr for his teammates but has not been fed when he rolls- until it finally happened just before the end of half #wizards #NBA2KSummerLeague – pic.twitter.com/9KndxQQaF9
— Dimitris Ioannou (@gavrojim007) July 18, 2024
Too often during Summer League, Sarr was at the extreme ends of the spectrum. He either barraged the rim with 3-point attempts or attempted to take matters into his own hands, scoring off-the-dribble.
Again, he has the potential to consistently score in those situations. Nonetheless, he’s just not there yet. The fact of the matter is that when a player averages just under 10 points per game the season prior to being drafted, as Sarr did, expectations should’ve been tempered. For whatever reason, they weren’t.
Now, he has to enter his rookie season trying to shed a bust label that’s based on him not excelling in areas that he never had.
With his character and love of the game, Sarr should be fine though. Those traits often allow players to steer through adversity and have a reputable work ethic. To that point, while natural gifts are always welcome, hard work is the ultimate secret to success.
The Playmaking Piece
The ball will be in Sarr’s hands, scoring or not.
Due to his passing skills, the modernized big man can help open up their offense. Bilal Coulibaly and Kyshawn George have demonstrated their ability to play off-ball, as cutters or in catch-and-shoot situations. Corey Kispert and Malcolm Brogdon are two of the league’s better spot-up shooters in the NBA. They all can play off of Sarr because of that.
Sarr corrals the bad pass and finds Bub for three pic.twitter.com/01XMuvXBTa
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) July 18, 2024
So, as the Wizards develop Sarr’s game, they’re wise to not just focus on the best ways to get him the ball. In becoming a playoff contender, his ability to get his teammates the ball could matter just as much. He doesn’t have to become the next Nikola Jokic. Nonetheless, like a Domantas Sabonis or Alperen Sengun, his becoming an offensive fulcrum will make their team more dynamic.
