The Washington Wizards are just over a week away from having to pick from the No. 2 spot in the 2024 NBA Draft. The Wizards are coming off its worst statistical season in franchise history with only 15 wins in the 2023-2024 campaign. Due to its infamous season, Washington has the chance to select one of the top talents in the world such as center Alexandre Sarr. If the Wizards select the seven-foot giant, should Washington attempt to snag French star guard Nolan Traore in 2025?
Star French Point Guard Would Fit Perfectly With The Wizards If Drafted in 2025
Should the Wizards Draft Sarr?
Washington will pick in the top two for the first time since having drafted John Wall No. 1 overall in the 2010 NBA Draft. The Atlanta Hawks currently hold the No. 1 pick this year, and it’s possible that Atlanta could take Sarr first, but if not, the Wizards should absolutely select the 19-year-old Frenchman.
Sarr stands at seven-foot-one, 216 Ibs, and recently played for the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL). The 19-year-old possesses a thin frame but is extremely agile and has supreme leaping ability, making him a commodity in this year’s draft. Furthermore, Sarr is an effective defender, especially on the inside due to his seven-foot-five wingspan. The downside for Sarr is his thin stature, which won’t bode well for him if he’s matched up against players such as Joel Embiid, Nikola Jokic, or Giannis Antetokounmpo. If Sarr can add weight to this current build, he can certainly be effective when defending the premier big men in the association.
In 27 games in the 2023 NBL season, Sarr averaged 9.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. Sarr can run the floor and finish fast breaks effectively and can put the ball on the floor to create his own shot. Moreover, the Wizards ranked 29th in the league in rebounds per game (41.0), so Sarr’s mere presence in the paint should aid the Wizards in that department.
If Washington selects Sarr, it would be ideal for them to have a solid playmaker at the point guard position. As of now, Washington has Jordan Poole and Tyus Jones as the main facilitators on the roster. Perhaps the Wizards should set their sights on Traore for next year’s draft? Especially considering Jones could leave in free agency this year.
Who is Nolan Traore?
As mentioned prior, the Wizards currently have Poole and Jones on their roster as the primary facilitators. Poole isn’t much of a playmaker and Jones hasn’t resigned as of now. The Wizards have a young, talented roster that features Bilal Coulibaly, Deni Avdija, and Corey Kispert. Washington having a formidable playmaker who can be a floor general would be extremely beneficial to its young core, especially for Sarr. Traore possesses all the tools and attributes to be Washington’s premier point guard.
Traore stands at six-foot-three, and 175Ib he currently plays for the Saint-Quentin Basketball team of the LNB Elite (Professional League in France). The 18-year-old combo guard is known for his crafty playmaking ability, quickness, solid body control, and strong finishing at the rim. Moreover, Traore brings a high level of tenacity on the defensive end, especially garnering pressure on the ball.
The Wizards officially named former interim head coach Brian Keefe as their head coach going forward. Keefe is known for his player development skills throughout his nearly 20-year NBA coaching career. The current Wizards coach worked as an assistant for the Oklahoma City Thunder, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Brooklyn Nets.
Keefe’s track record includes the development of All-NBA players such as Kevin Durant and Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, respectively. Keefe can potentially mold and develop Washington’s core of young talent going forward, including Traore.
The Last Word on Star French Point Guard Would Fit Perfectly With The Wizards If Drafted in 2025
Since Traore is a projected top-5 pick in the 2025 draft, Washington would have to perhaps have another abysmal season similar to this past campaign. Neither the Wizards front office nor its fanbase expect Washington to be in playoff contention this upcoming season, but vast improvements should be evident.
Sarr would benefit immensely with a solid point guard running the offense, but Traore would be the ideal asset for Washington as his ceiling is sky-high.
