Alexandre Sarr Scouting Report
Alexandre Sarr is undoubtedly one of the prospects I hold closest to my heart. He was the first prospect I ever got to scout live, with Sarr playing for my hometown Perth Wildcats. The 19-year-old, 7’1”, 217 lbs force of nature that is Alex Sarr came in at first overall in my 2024 NBA Draft Big Board.
After spending a year against high schoolers in the Overtime Elite program, the Frenchmen took his talents to the other side of the world to play alongside four-time NBL MVP and former NBA player Bryce Cotton. He used his signature defensive impact and athleticism to, slowly but surely, crack into the rotation.
By the end of the season, he had climbed from a potential lottery selection to the seemingly consensus best player in the class, all while helping the Wildcats to the second seed in the league.
The apparent appeal for Sarr is his rim protection, defensive switchability, and ability to spread the floor (on defense) from the 4 or 5 positions. He will be a wandering shot-blocker who can guard one-through-five, inside and out.
While his shot remains a mystery, he'll spend the most of his time on offence spotting up, pick-and-popping, or waiting in the dunker's area for easy baskets. Whoever selects Sarr will need to show patience on the shot.
I would compare Sarr’s game of now to a younger De’Andre Ayton, however teams will hope he develops into more of a Jaren Jackson Jr. as his shot ideally develops, turning him into the ultimate weapon in the two-man pick-and-roll/pop game.
Sarr's 7'1" frame, agility, and bounce power the majority of his production and impact. He has good height for a centre, but his defensive foot quickness is what makes NBA clubs believe he can play power forward if they already have an established 5 or are facing an imposing centre.
Sarr's guaranteed defensive impact and possible scoring variety may offer him the draft's best two-way upside. Whatever organisation wins the lottery will likely look to Sarr, and be interested in adding a difference-making rim protector capable of initiating fast breaks, knocking down shots, attacking closeouts, and finishing above the rim.