Alexandre Sarr 2024 NBA Draft Profile
Height/wingspan: 7’1″, 7’4″
Weight: 216lbs
Age: 18 years
Primary position: Center
2023-2024 stats with the Perth Wildcats: 9.7 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 52% FG, 29.8% 3PT, 71.4% FT, 0.5 SPG, 1.3 BPG, 1.1 TOPG, 25 GP
Stop me if you’ve heard this one before. A seven-foot tall French phenom is poised to go number one in the next NBA draft. Though he is not Victor Wembanyama, NBA teams should still keep their eyes on Alexandre Sarr. He comes from a strong basketball background. His dad played professional basketball and his brother, Olivier Sarr, currently plays for the Oklahoma City Thunder. After a season in the Australian league and a phenomenal showing against the G-League Ignite, he is looking strong going into the 2024 NBA Draft. Let’s dig into his draft profile!
Strengths:
Alexandre Sarr’s number one quality is his size. At 7’1″ with a 7’4″ wingspan, he has the build many NBA teams are desperate for during today’s big-man resurgence. Despite his height, he is wildly athletic and quick.
Sarr has a phenomenal ability to switch defensively. He consistently contests shots and forces offenses to work harder for their attempts. He is very quick on his feet and is able to keep up with his assignments regardless of what position they play.
His jump shot is smooth for someone of his stature. He is already a satisfactory shooter off the catch. Though his averages could use some improving, Sarr has demonstrated that he has the potential to become a relatively above average shooter.
Sarr’s basketball IQ is high, and he already possesses great floor vision. He is an excellent passer with pinpoint accuracy.
Weaknesses:
Sarr’s biggest liability is his weight. At 216lbs, he is easily bullied near the rim. Larger, stronger, or heavier opponents will not have a hard time overpowering him. He struggles with this on both sides of the floor. He faces difficulties fighting for defensive rebounds, and has a hard time breaking through screens and physical contests.
As mentioned before, Sarr’s shooting could use improvement. He shot under 30% from three last season, and only 71.4% from the line. These aren’t the worst numbers of all time (I’m looking at you, Shaq), but there is ground to be covered.
Ironically for someone as tall as him, Sarr is sometimes unremarkable underneath the basket on offense. Sarr makes 58% of his layups, a number he absolutely should improve on.
He has shown flashes of what his NBA game might look like in scrimmages against the G-league Ignite, but his overall offensive stats from his year in Australia leave some things to be desired. Sarr can struggle to create opportunities for himself, and will lose the ball on poor handles.
Projected Spot: First Round, Probably Number One, Definitely Top Five
The 2024 NBA Draft class is one of the weakest we’ve seen in years, which will work to Sarr’s advantage. His unique combo of height and athleticism makes him stand out in the crowd. Even if his game doesn’t evolve to extraordinary new heights, he is valuable as he stands. He will be an immediate benefit on defense and a mild benefit on offense, at worst.
It is almost certain that the Atlanta Hawks will take him first overall, either pairing him with Trae Young or beginning a rebuild with Sarr near the center. In the event that they pass, I don’t see Alexandre Sarr falling out of the top 5. The Wizards and Pistons will take any help they can get. It would be interesting for the Spurs to have two skinny, seven-foot-tall French dudes but hey, Pop would find a way. There seems to be very little risk with him, and lots of possible reward.
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