{"id":77434,"date":"2024-05-15T08:00:58","date_gmt":"2024-05-15T12:00:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=77434"},"modified":"2024-05-14T23:13:22","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T03:13:22","slug":"projected-top-draft-pick-shows-interest-in-wizards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/05\/15\/projected-top-draft-pick-shows-interest-in-wizards\/","title":{"rendered":"Projected Top Draft Pick Shows Interest in Wizards"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Washington Wizards received great news this week due to their good fortune at the NBA Draft Lottery this past Sunday. Washington currently holds the No. 2 overall pick in next month’s NBA Draft after Sunday’s affair. The Wizards just came off their worst season in franchise history with a 15-67 record, but having scored the No. 2 pick is huge for a franchise that is firmly in a rebuild and aiming to return back to relevancy. Projected top-3 draft pick Alexandre Sarr<\/a> recently made positive comments regarding Washington. How would Sarr mesh in D.C if drafted?<\/p>\n

Projected Top NBA Pick Shows Interest in Wizards<\/h2>\n

Who is Alexandre Sarr And How Would He Fit in Washington?<\/h3>\n

Alexandre Sarr<\/a> stands at 7-foot-1, 216Ibs and last played center for the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League. Sarr is accredited for his supreme lateral ability, which is essential to be a solid rim protector. In 27 games in the 2023 NBL season, Sarr averaged 9.4 points, 0.9 assists, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks. Additionally, due to Sarr’s thin stature, he can be positioned between the power forward and center positions. However, due to his size, could he handle the physicality against premier big men such as Nikola Jokic<\/a>?<\/p>\n

Sarr’s 7-foot-5 wingspan and ability to run the floor would do wonders for the Wizards, as the unit allowed 10,089 points in the paint last season (most in league). Additionally, the 19-year old center can put the ball on the floor to create his own shot. As a result, it will provide spacing offensively for Washington, but Sarr is mainly allotted for his defensive ability, at least until he gradually matures into the league.<\/p>\n

The rebounding department is another major flaw for the Wizards. In 2023, Washington finished the season dead-last in rebounding (41 per game) and grabbed the lowest amount of contested rebounds (11.9 per game). Yes, Sarr only averaged just over 4 rebounds per game, but if the 19-year old can add weight to his frame, he can be an effective rebounder for Washington.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, the Wizards will have to find a point guard that can be a playmaker for Sarr. As of now, Jordan Poole<\/a> isn’t much of a playmaker and Tyus Jones<\/a> is an impending free agent. The 7-foot-1 center can thrive with a point guard that can feed him the ball in ideal situations. If Washington drafts Sarr, the front office should sign a point guard that can distribute at a high level.<\/p>\n

What did Sarr Have to Say About the 15-Win Wizards?<\/h3>\n
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Potential top NBA Draft pick Alexandre Sarr likes the path the Wizards are on. He has never been to D.C. before. pic.twitter.com\/SuMYCz8zeH<\/a><\/p>\n

— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) May 14, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n