Alexandre Sarr became the second Frenchman drafted in the 2024 NBA Draft after fellow French forward Zaccharie Risacher. Sarr was drafted second overall to the Washington Wizards in hopes of delivering them out of their whirlwind of struggles.
Surprisingly, Alex Sarr isn’t new to playing in the States. In 2021, he moved to the U.S. to join the new Overtime Elite League. He played 2 seasons there, the first with Team Overtime and the second with YNG Dreamerz. In his second season, he averaged 11.1 points and 6.4 rebounds, becoming more adjusted to the American style of play. As a result, he was awarded second-team All-OTE honors.
Gaining prominence as a prospect, Sarr signed with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian Basketball League (NBL). Sarr played 30 games for the Wildcats having a viable role in the roster. He averaged about 10 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. His blocking percentage was easily the highest in the league, solidifying himself as one of the most proficient rim protectors in the NBL.
As an overall player, Sarr can be counted on to score points. He can attack from the perimeter, take it to the other side of the court, and even pull it up from the three. Despite being moderate from downtown, he is a decent shooter for his size, occasionally bringing an extra three points for his team. He is also defiant during fast breaks and brings in an easy layup while driving during fast-paced scenarios. Another quality in his bag is finding good looks for his teammates by being a stellar passer and facilitator. By being an offensive weapon with and without the ball, Sarr can continue to be a threat that the Wizards can use to maximize their scoring capabilities.
Defensively, Sarr can handle switching during screens and be effective in preventing opponents to drive to the rim. His extreme length allows him to be a top-tier rim protector blocking shots from various kinds of angles. He can guard at the perimeter and be an intimidating figure in the paint. Sarr is overall a great defensive addition for Washington to minimize the points they allow next season.
Amidst being drafted by the Wizards, the 7’1 forward can transform the defective organization into a true threat in the Playoffs. Playing alongside functional pieces in the roster the likes of Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, he can fit right alongside them. Playing with Kuzma, Alex can transition to the center position and thrive in his playing ground. Using his shiftiness, he can also become one-half of a flashy pick-and-roll duo with Poole and a finisher of lobs in the open lane. He is a skillful defender for his size and the Wizards can use him as a presence for perimeter defense.
However, for Sarr to fully augment his skillset, he needs to diversify the ways he gets his points. The paint is a comfortable zone for Alex, but he needs to expand his range by improving his mid-range and three-point percentage. This will set him apart as an offensively sharpened forward. With the impact that he can exert, Sarr can draw fouls, meaning that he needs to work on his free throws as well to gain extra points. Also, to pair against other fellow big men in the NBA, Sarr needs to bulk up so that they don’t take advantage of his thin frame when guarded by the young Frenchman.
Ultimately, Alex Sarr is an extremely beneficial inclusion to the Washington Wizards roster. He automatically enhances their frail offensive and defensive capacities and brings hope for the upcoming season. Sarr can lead them out of their struggles to become a new team to look out for in the East, but the rest of the team needs to do their part for the new revitalization. Because Sarr is not used to seeing his team remain unsuccessful, the Wizards will likely follow suit due to his winning mentality. However, Alex Sarr isn’t just seeking to transform the dynamics of Wizards Basketball, but he is also seeking to be a rightful star.
