2024 NBA Draft: Alexandre Sarr’s Case For No. 1 Pick

Alexandre Sarr was in lottery conversations before his two exhibition games versus Ignite. After looking like a star in those two games, does he have a case to go No. 1 overall?

During an exciting two games between G League Ignite and the Perth Wildcats of the NBL, we got to see a ton of draft eligible prospects showcase their game to the basketball world. The biggest winner out of everyone in that group was Alexandre Sarr of the Perth. Sarr looked like the top defensive prospect in the draft while also showcasing some legit talent on the offensive end. Let’s dive into Sarr’s case to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Sarr stands at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan and moves like a wing out on the floor. What makes him so fun on the defensive end is his upside as a switchable big and as a defender in the pick and roll. The Perth big man moves so well laterally and is so agile that he’s able to contain ball-handlers off the dribble with how much ground he’s able to cover.

In both of his games versus Ignite, he had six blocks which speaks volumes to how impactful he is as a rim protector. Sarr’s size, instincts and timing as a shot-blocker are really impressive and it allows him to be one of the top rim protecting prospects eligible for this year’s upcoming draft. A fellow scout said he has a chance to be a Jaren Jackson Jr. type of defender if he’s able to reach his ceiling on that end which is high praise for Sarr.

Sarr shot 3-of-5 from 3-point land in his two games versus Ignite. The pick-and-pop potential he has is quite high and it’ll allow him to play either of the big man positions. Sarr was very effective around the rim due to his touch inside and above the rim finishing ability. Throughout these two games he showed some off the dribble flashes which is pretty enticing to see for someone that stands above seven feet.

The next step for Sarr on the offensive end is developing a more effective post game, getting consistent with his passing reads and cutting down on some turnovers. The French big man has a chance to be a star caliber player in the NBA, especially if he’s able to reach close to his ceiling on both ends of the floor. There’s no one else in the draft that comes close to the athletic tools, skill, defensive ability and size Sarr possesses. We’re still about nine months away from the 2024 NBA Draft, but it should be safe to say that Sarr has a case to be the number one pick in this year’s draft.

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