Alexandre Sarr Scouting Report: Pro Comps and Predictions for 2024 NBA Draft Prospect
Alexandre Sarr Full Scouting Report
School: Perth Wildcats
Nationality: French
Age: 18
Position: PF/C
Size: 7'1", 216
After playing against high schoolers with Overtime Elite last year, Alex Sarr made a big jump to Australia to face NBL pros in 2023-24. With his signature athleticism and defense, he wound up playing a role in the Perth Wildcats' rotation and eventual placement in the playoff semifinals.
Sarr first really caught scouts' attention in October during two Las Vegas exhibition games against the G League Ignite. Since then, he was consistent from November through March, more so than practically any other top prospect against tougher competition.
He's now a strong candidate to go No. 1 overall in the 2024 NBA draft.
Projected Role, Pro Comp, Best Team Fits
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Projected role: Stretch big/rim protector
Comparisons: Jaren Jackson Jr.
Best team fits: Washington Wizards, Charlotte Hornets, Memphis Grizzlies, Portland Trail Blazers, Atlanta Hawks
The obvious draw to Sarr revolves around his rim protection, defensive switchability and potential to stretch from the floor from the 4 or 5 positions. He's going to serve as a roaming shot-blocker who can guard and shoot around the perimeter.
Offensively, he'll spend most of his time spotting up, pick-and-popping or waiting in the dunker's spot for easy baskets.
Ideally, his game evolves into something similar to Memphis Grizzlies big man Jaren Jackson Jr., who blocks shots, drills threes and faces up with ease. Even if Sarr isn't creating effective or making shots, he should find ways to impact games around the basket at both ends, just like Jackson.
Draft Projection
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Draft ceiling: No. 1 overall
Draft floor: Top 5
Sarr's surefire defensive impact and potential scoring versatility might give him the draft's highest two-way ceiling. Whichever team wins the lottery will be drawn to the idea of adding a difference-making rim protector who can also initiate fast breaks, knock down jumpers, attack closeouts and finish above the rim.
The first few teams could also pass if they're already set with established bigs. Some might not be willing to bet on Sarr's offensive development, considering he was still unreliable from three-point range, shaky from the free-throw line and limited creating in the half court.
However, even a worst-case outcome for Sarr is attractive, assuming his 7'1" size and mobility automatically translate to easy baskets and defense. He has enough shot-making skill to at least regularly threaten defenses when left open.
Physical Tools and Athleticism
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Sarr's 7'1" size, mobility and bounce drive the majority of his production and impact. He possesses excellent height for a center, though his foot speed to slide defensively will be why NBA teams feel they can use him at power forward if they already have an established 5 or they're facing an overpowering center.
Certain plays remind you about his thin 216-pound frame, particularly when he's trying to finish against older bigs in the NBL. He's more effective using quickness to beat shot-blockers to the rim or bounce to sky over them.
Going through bigs can be a challenge for Sarr, although that would be the case for just about any 18-year-old who played against the pro competition that he faced in Australia.
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Signature Strengths
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Defensive versatility/upside
Sarr's block and steal stats don't tell the full story on his defense. He contests shots inside and out with a combination of quick feet and long reach. His ability to slide around the perimeter is arguably more impressive than his rim protection.
Regardless, Sarr possesses outstanding tools, mobility and intensity for helping to shut down the paint or defend in space.
Shot-making potential
Sarr made a total of 16 threes, 14-of-25 short jumpers and 14-of-29 dribble jumpers this season, per Synergy Sports.
He isn't a high-volume shooter yet, but he's clearly a comfortable shot-maker and threat from wherever he can rise and fire, including off the dribble.
Potential scoring versatility
Creation isn't a strength of Sarr's, but he has shown the ability to use his handle and body control to initiate fast breaks and attack closeouts.
Sarr's offensive upside will skyrocket if he's able to start adding sharper moves and command changing direction with the ball and getting into his finishes or pull-ups.
Weaknesses
5 of 5Strength around basket
Given Sarr's 7'1" size and athleticism, his 58.1 shooting percentage on layups and 57.9 percent mark on cuts are relatively average. Physicality can make finishes challenging for him. He also isn't a major post threat due to his thin frame.
While Sarr doesn't operate with his back to the basket much, he relies on some tougher shot-making skill or touch whenever he does.
Creating
The majority of Sarr's scoring production this year came off the catch, either at the rim or behind the arc.
In the half court, despite the occasional flash, he still looks raw after putting the ball on the floor.
Shooting polish
Sarr finished at 27.6 percent from three and 70.7 percent from the free-throw line. Those numbers indicate potential, but not surefire, dependable shooting.
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