History predicts exactly what Alex Sarr's struggles mean for Wizards

The Washington Wizards took Alex Sarr with the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. It was supposed to be a franchise-changing selection for Washington. The seven-footer beams with potential, but his first showing in a Wizards uniform did not go as planned.

Sarr averaged 5.5 points per game on 19.1 percent shooting from the field during his four games in the Las Vegas Summer League. He made just two 3-pointers in the event and confirmed scouts biggest concern. Sarr’s offensive game is a work in progress, and it will take time for the number two pick to adjust to the NBA game.

There were flashes of his defensive potential and passing. Sarr blocked 2.5 shots as he grabbed 7.8 rebounds and dished out 3.3 dimes each night. The slow offensive start is concerning, but history gives us an important lesson.

Big men often struggle in summer league

Victor Wembanyama instantly shined in the NBA, but things were not as smooth in Las Vegas. Last summer, he averaged 18.0 points on 40.7 percent shooting from the field and 30.0 percent on his threes. The rest of his numbers were there as he put up 10.0 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 4.0 blocks in 27.2 minutes per game.

In 2022, Paolo Banchero and Chet Holmgren were the top two selections. The Magic’s star put up 20.0 points per game, but he only shot 40.7 percent from the field. Chet Holmgren’s efficiency was better, but he averaged just 12.0 points each night.

Evan Mobley was the highest big man selected in 2021 and produced similar results. He shot just 34.9 percent from the field and made one 3-pointer during his time in Vegas.

There are no doubts about these other top picks now. They are four of the brightest young stars in the NBA and nobody is discussing their summer league struggles.

Alex Sarr must work on his offensive game

Sarr will likely come off the bench to start the season behind Jonas Valanciunas and Kyle Kuzma. The 19-year-old must improve his shooting and screening. He will likely play the four early in his career but needs to be a strong screener if he wants to get more time at center.

Nobody expects a teenager to be a finished product. Sarr has plenty of time to improve and has shown several positive signs already. His ability to protect the rim and switch should make him impactful on that end of the floor. If Sarr turns into a positive on the offensive end, he will be a starter in the NBA for the next decade-plus.

Play in the Las Vegas Summer League is perimeter-oriented. Big men often struggle to shine as teams do not have significant time to prepare. Fans should not be worried about Alex Sarr’s performance in his first action with the Wizards. He still has immense upside and could be a star. Do not be surprised to see him look significantly better in training camp.

The Washington Wizards are in the early stages of a rebuild and hope Sarr becomes a star. They will focus on his development. Give the 19-year-old big man time because the best is yet to come.