C
Clint Nielson
Guest
Photo by COLIN MURTY/AFP via Getty Images
Is Alexandre Sarr the next star of the modern big man era?
Alexandre Sarr is an exciting 7-1 and mobile prospect who spent his would-be freshmen year playing for the Perth Wildcats of the NBL. Alex has a similar defensive game to Victor Wembanyama, which makes him a serious candidate to be the number one pick of the draft. Alexandre has only played limited minutes for the Wildcats, but he is still a teenager (turned 19 on April 26th) and shows all the signs of becoming a great NBA player.
Profile
2023-2024 Season Stats: 24 games, 17.2 minutes, 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, 1.3 blocks, 52.0% FG, 29.8% 3P, 71.4% FT
Team: Perth Wildcats
Year: Professional
Position: Center
Height & Weight: 7-1 | 224 lbs
Born: April 26, 2005
Hometown: Toulouse, France
High School: Real Madrid Cadet Youth Team
/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/25429213/2068067182.jpg "NBL Semi Final: Game 1 - Perth Wildcats v Tasmania Jackjumpers")
Strengths
Sarr has legit DPOY potential. His ability to shot block and deter shot attempts in the paint is similar to fellow French DPOY level centers, Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama. Sarr is versatile and can defend the perimeter and guards well, for his size. Sarr is long, boasting a 7-5 wingspan to go along with his 7-1 height. He is fast and runs like a forward, even though he is the size of a center. Sarr is effective in the dunkers spot. His good shooting mechanic shows potential to that he could improve his jump shot. He has the ability on offense to blow by defenders on his way to the paint. Alex can make exciting passes, though he was not asked to during his rookie season in the NBL.
Weaknesses
Sarr is not a great scorer, which could keep him from becoming a star in the NBA. He has a limited post-game and only occasionally uses his best 2 post moves, fadeaways, and hooks. He is decent but not particularly effective at dribbling, making him an unreliable offensive creator. Sarr’s jump shot has yet to be a consistent offensive move for him. While his shooting form gives hope that Alex will improve his 3P%, he currently shoots poorly. Sarr is thin and can be bullied in the post.
Conclusion
Alexandre Sarr should be the number one pick in the 2024 NBA draft, regardless of which team has the pick. Sarr is a tier above everyone else in the draft because of his special defensive abilities and potential to become a unique all-star-level offensive player. Sarr’s expected floor is a mid-tier starting center whose offense never became consistent. Alexandre can be expected to be as good as Evan Mobley. If Sarr reaches his ceiling, he joins Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama as the faces of the new-age big men.
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