The talk surrounding the Washington Wizards and their young players this season hasn't been very positive.
Currently holding a 13-51 record as the season winds down, it's easy to see why there has been more negative comments than positive feedback up to this point. However, in a rebuilding year with a roster clearly prioritizing the future rather than the now, it's fair to say that heading into the season there weren't many expectations for Washington's young team.
However, one player that did enter the season for the Wizards with high expectations is reigning No. 2 overall pick Alex Sarr. Up to this point of the season, the French product has shown more struggles, than signs of stardom.
Despite that, his poor play could be due to a number of factors. And while the 19-year-old is raw and has plenty to work on, it may help if the Wizards actually begin to utilize his strengths more.
Wizards need to play Sarr more in the perimeter
Over the course of the season, it's been clear to see that Sarr has struggled in the paint. In fact, that may be the worst part of his game. As a 7-footer, it's truly hard to imagine why a big man would struggle so much at an area that most players his size or manning a front court position can score effectively in the paint.
Sarr is shooting an abysmal 38.6% from field goal range, and as he continues to add fuel to the fire on a nightly basis, his shooting percentages will only get worse until he has the chance to work on his craft in the comiing offseason.
However, it also may help his case if first-year head coach Brian Keefe would utilize the big man to his strengths and allow him to play more from the perimeter. At times this season, when Sarr played the four on the perimeter alongside another big man, especially Tristan Vukcevic, he's looked to play his best basketball yet.
The young forward isn't the best at scoring inside the paint, but he's a very solid ball handler for his size and his passing ability is one of the more underrated parts of his game. And while he only shoots 30.9% from beyond the arc, he's more than capable of making the defense pay from deep.
Although this wouldn't turn him into a star immediately, it may help both the front office and fans of the Wizards see more promise in their young piece. Not to mention it could help Sarr grow his confidence after a rough rookie season.