Alexandre Sarr Declares for 2024 NBA Draft; Potential No. 1 Overall Pick

Center Alexandre Sarr officially declared for the 2024 NBA draft during a Friday appearance on ESPN's NBA Today.

Sarr spent the 2023-24 season in Australia, playing for the Perth Wildcats of the NBL. The 18-year-old is primarily known for his defense and athleticism, blocking 1.3 shots in 17.2 minutes per game for the Wildcats.

The French big man is currently projected to go to the Detroit Pistons with the No. 1 overall pick in Bleacher Report's latest mock draft.

---

While teams may have been hesitant to select an international player as high as No. 1 overall in the past, that has changed in recent years with the emergence of players such as San Antonio Spurs standout rookie Victor Wembanyama.

While Sarr may not be the same level as a prospect, he's still shown flashes of immense potential. Perth faced off against the G League Ignite in a pair of exhibition games in Sep. 2023, with the young center recording six blocks in each game. He also totaled 43 points and 17 rebounds at the end of both contests.

"I just want to show NBA scouts how impactful I can be on the court, on or off the ball," Sarr said, per Yahoo Sports' Krysten Peek. "I think my versatility separates me from other bigs in this draft with my rim protection, high motor and shot creation."

In 24 NBL appearances, Sarr averaged a modest 9.7 points and 4.4 rebounds per game. He was efficient despite struggling from behind the arc, shooting 52.0 percent from the field and 29.8 percent on three-pointers.

ESPN's Jonathan Givony was impressed with the 7'1" big, calling him "one of the draft's most physically gifted prospects."

With his interior scoring combined with his defensive acumen, Sarr is one of the most intriguing prospects in the 2024 class and could hear his name called first when the draft begins on June 26.