Alex Sarr, one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s NBA Draft fills all the boxes you want out of a young promising player defensively. Sarr played overseas in preparation for the 2024 NBA Draft, as he played for the Perth Wildcats in the Australian National Basketball League. He averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game during the 2023-24 season. He is known for his defensive physicality and athleticism, which is a reason why he is the favorite to land number one overall.
Strengths:
Advanced Passing Skill and Ball Handling
Sarr has the ability to drive past slower defenders and has the size to shoot over smaller defenders. Interior finishing inside the paint was on full display during his time at the NBL and can bully smaller and weaker defenders inside the paint.
Elite Rim Protector
Much like Jaren Jackson Jr., Sarr has shown the ability to not allow easy layups and putbacks, crashing the boards and making offensive players earn it. His defensive capability is the main reason he is the favorite to go number one. Scouts say he has the likes of Rudy Gobert and Jaren Jackson Jr, both of whom are defensive warriors and defensive player of the year candidates because of their rim protection.
Weaknesses:
Offensive Polish and Shot Creation
As Sarr is not a finished product, his offensive game is not finished either. He struggles to create for himself and forces shots or passes up the matchup if he needs movement for the shot to work. He also cannot shoot the ball well, shooting under 30% from deep. He did not get much time to work on his offensive game, so there is a ton of upside in his game if he has the right players and staff to develop him.
NBA Comparison: Jaren Jackson Jr./Evan Mobley
Sarr resembles Jaren Jackson Jr.’s game by the rim protection and the ability to deny offensive players inside the paint. He is a perfect example of Evan Mobley because Mobley is an elite defender but has yet to reach the ceiling of his offensive game, just like Sarr.
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