While on SportsCenter on June 21st, NBA insider Jonathan Givony discussed some of the top picks in this year’s upcoming NBA Draft. While initially focusing on the prospects from UConn (Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle), he talked about how the Wizards had seemingly already decided on their draft pick, and that it was clear who they would choose at number two overall.
NBA Insider Reveals Wizards’ Draft Pick
Alex Sarr had long been discussed as one of the top two picks in the NBA Draft. The 7’1″ center, originally from France, played overseas in France and for the Overtime Elite league while in high school before eventually playing in Australia’s NBL. He’s a fantastic shot blocker and post player, and his size makes him coveted. However, it seems that the closer we get to draft day, the more the Hawks are zoning in on Zaccharie Risacher, a French wing.
Sarr hasn’t even worked out for the Hawks, and it seems that the agency he signed with, WME, doesn’t want him going anywhere near the team. This is what Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports had to say on the matter:
“Every agency does things differently. Like right now, all this word that Atlanta is not a situation that WME wants Alex Sarr, the top prospect out of Perth, Australia, who’s French. He played several different places. Went to Overtime Elite. They don’t want him to be a member of the Hawks, which could cost him $9 million in theory over the course of four years. It’s all about that second contract. It’s all about fit blah blah blah.”
With this information known as well as the Wizards’ interest in Sarr, it added to clear speculation that the Wizards would draft him at number two. However, Givony continued piquing the interest of Wizards fans. While discussing the draft potential of Clingan, he said,
“If he doesn’t go number one…I think number two is pretty much a lock to be Alex Sarr to Washington.”
Went on Sportscenter with @KevinNegandhi to talk NBA draft, breaking down where Stephon Castle, Donovan Clingan, Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr might end up and what NBA scouts like about them. pic.twitter.com/AhGz1iorg7
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) June 21, 2024
While this could just be speculation, Givony seems confident when making this prediction. Given the inside information that he likely has, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if this happened. It’s why many sites have already acknowledged his prediction, like RealGM and Basketnews.
Sarr’s Potential
Instead of playing in college, Sarr played overseas in Australia’s NBL, one of the best professional basketball leagues overseas. At just 19 years old, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks. While these numbers seem modest compared to other prospects, he did this while averaging only 18 minutes per game, and playing against grown men. This means far better competition than what college kids face. Additionally, it’s his potential, athleticism, and 7’4.5″ wingspan that have NBA scouts on notice.
Sarr would be a great addition to the Wizards’ ongoing rebuild. As I mentioned in this article, the Wizards’ big man depth is atrocious, and they currently have no one anchoring the paint. Sarr would fix this problem, while also being able to run pick and rolls with Jordan Poole, Bilal Coulibaly, and Tyus Jones (if resigned). His shooting (if it improves) could also space the floor.
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