Alex Sarr is the number two overall pick in this 2024 NBA draft class. Sarr’s rookie preview may not be as illustrious as former top picks, but he’s a great prospect. He is a welcome sight for Washington Wizards fans who are hoping this is the beginning of a great rebuild.
Let’s take a look at Sarr’s rookie preview for this upcoming season.
NBA Rookie Preview: Alex Sarr
Prospect Profile
Sarr is a slender big man originally from France but has played in a variety of professional leagues. Beginning in 2019, Sarr played two years with Spain’s Real Madrid as a part of their youth team. In 2021, he found his way to the Overtime Elite program in the U.S. which has been a recent filter system for NBA talent. For his final year before becoming draft eligible, Sarr signed a contract with the NBL’s Perth Wildcats in Australia. The NBL’s program boasts that they’ve seen eight players drafted since their inception, with three being lottery picks. NBA players LaMelo Ball, Josh Giddey, Ousmane Dieng, and RJ Hampton are among the most notable alumni.
For anyone who’s watched Sarr’s game, you will know this rookie preview has to start with defense. Sarr should make a high impact on the defensive end of the floor immediately for the Wizards. Elite shot-blocking and mobility at seven-foot-one are easily projectable traits even at the NBA level. He’s a very good athlete for his size and is a fluid mover who can even switch onto smaller guards in a pinch. Sarr’s weakness as a prospect coming into the NBA draft however was just how raw he was offensively.
In the NBA summer league, this profile really came to light. Sarr was effective on defense, but his offense was pretty bad and inconsistent at best. He averaged 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, but shot just 19.1 percent from the field! Inefficiencies are somewhat common for young rookies in summer league, but his offensive polish certainly was a weakness. He possesses the skill and fluidity to be great on this end over time, and hopefully, this offseason in an NBA setting has been fruitful.
Team Fit
The Wizards were very happy to take Alex Sarr at number two overall. With Sarr not working out for the Atlanta Hawks at number one, this was a no-brainer selection.
The Wizards made some offseason moves that should help them maintain a more competitive roster. Malcolm Brogdon and Jonas Valanciunas are both veteran players who should provide a steadying impact for the young Wizards roster. At this time, Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole should be returning alongside last year’s number-eight pick Bilal Coulibaly. As mentioned previously, Sarr’s main weaknesses come from raw offensive ability and possibly his slight frame in the low post. Well, in theory, the addition of Valanciunas should take pressure off of Sarr when guarding bigger centers. Additionally, Poole and Kuzma will provide a lot of shot-creation and playmaking to help get Sarr easier baskets. As it stands currently, Sarr’s rookie preview looks as if he’ll be able to focus on parts of the game he already excels at.
It’s probably not the best idea to have Sarr shoulder a heavy offensive burden and low post presence early in his career. If so, there may be performances that mirror his poor summer league play in terms of efficiency.
Predictions
While Sarr may have ample opportunity and playing time to put up big numbers, I don’t think he’s a rookie of the year frontrunner. This draft class wasn’t known for franchise-changing talent near the top. While he may not be a franchise cornerstone, he can be an essential building block with a loaded 2025 NBA draft class incoming. More realistically, Sarr’s rookie preview should include expectations of an All-Rookie selection. Whether that’s first or second-team All-Rookie will be up to Sarr’s efficiency and development, specifically on the offensive end.
