Alex Sarr 2024 NBA Draft Projection: Player comparison & projected draft pick for Perth Wildcats star
Alex Sarr will have his name announced in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday night as a potential top-three pick. Sarr is widely regarded as arguably the best prospect in this class. His resume speaks for itself. The 7-foot-1 Frenchman is coming off an impressive season with the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League.
He averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in 24 outings, shooting 52.0%, including 29.8% from 3 on 2.0 attempts. It's important to note that Sarr's usage was relatively low, impacting his averages on multiple fronts. He enters the draft as more of a defensive threat.
His offense is a work in progress, but his length, skillset, and some brushing up could take him a long way to make an efficient two-way player at his size.
Based on Alex Sarr's current play, his ideal player comparisons are former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. and Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley. Both players are excellent on defense with a decent touch offensively, which developed over time after they worked on their skill sets.
Sarr is expected to have a similar growth curve as the two defensive-minded floor spacing bigs.
Alex Sarr vs. Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr. strengths
Alex Sarr's biggest strength is his defensive versatility. Because of his 7-foot-1 frame, 9-foot-2 standing reach and 7-foot-4 wingspan, Sarr is highly potent at protecting the rim, tracking drives, in help defense situations and as a pick-and-roll defensive presence.
Sarr can also defend efficiently on the perimeter for a player of his size. It allows him to force turnovers and deflect passes. He can track his man well enough to alter shots at the rim, even if he's behind the play on a blow-by.
On offense, Sarr's best when finishing at the rim. His jump shot from inside the arc seems to have tremendous upside. His 3-point shot, floaters and runners will need some work, but if he starts making them at a decent clip, Sarr could be a problem very soon.
Meanwhile, Evan Mobley seems to be a more versatile defender because of his ability to guard on switches frequently. He's as solid as they come at the rim and reading offenses with ease.
Mobley has also improved his offensive game, especially in the past season. He improved his 3-point shooting significantly, making 37.3% of his shots from 3 on 1.2 attempts. His field goal percentage also improved to 57.9%.
Mobley's game has only improved in pick and rolls. He's efficiently converted his runners and floaters away from the basket.
Jaren Jackson Jr., on the other hand, has always been a high-volume 3-point shooter who can get hot from 3. That impacts his overall efficiency from the field, but his career 34.5% shooting average from deep compensates for it, along with his free throw conversion rate of 79.5%.
Akin to Alex Sarr and Evan Mobley, Jackson is a versatile defender, too. He can protect the rim and position himself well enough to stay in the play in pick and rolls. He has the agility, length and speed to contain guards even if asked to defend high up on screens.
Alex Sarr vs. Evan Mobley and Jaren Jackson Jr. weaknesses
Alex Sarr comes into the 2024 NBA Draft with a raw offensive game. He needs to improve his 3-point shooting and add more to his game other than finishing at the rim. Sarr can be a more willing shooter, so there's an upside. He also needs to add some strength, which will naturally happen.
Sarr must work on his game away from the basket to thrive on offense. His rebounding can also improve a bit. As good as Sarr is defensively, he struggles with his timing and placement, which could be a prominent issue in the NBA.
On the other hand, Evan Mobley struggles with his passive play on offense. His lack of aggressiveness often limits him from becoming a hub offensively, which could significantly improve the Cavaliers' offense. With decent strides last season, thanks to his improved numbers from the field, Mobley could soon become a legitimate offensive threat.
Meanwhile, Jaren Jackson Jr.'s most prominent weakness is his rebounding. For someone his size, Jackson averaged only 5.5 rebounds a game. His decision-making offensively is also questionable. He's a solid 3-point shooter, but he tends to rely too much on his outside shot, taking away the pressure from the opposing defense to guard a force like him in the paint.
Alex Sarr 2024 NBA Draft Projection
Alex Sarr's final 2024 NBA Draft Projection sees him get picked at #2 by the Washington Wizards. With the Atlanta Hawks reportedly unable to get him in for a workout, all signs point towards Sarr landing with the rebuilding Wizards next to prospects like Bilal Coulibaly and Jordan Poole.
Sarr is instantly a solid fit in Washington, considering his defensive potential. He can be a part of their core for years because of what he presents. He will have plenty of time to grow his offensive game, too, with the Wizards far from making any real push toward postseason basketball.