“It’s more important to be drafted”: Alex Sarr gives honest answer on potentially being No. 1 pick in 2024 NBA draft
After Victor Wembanyama last year, another French player, Alex Sarr, could emerge on top of the draft list. The well-traveled player is anticipated to be the No. 1 pick on Thursday at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn and is contested by his longtime friend Zaccharie Risacher.
Hours before the 2024 NBA draft, Alex Sarr was asked about his desire to be the top pick in the talent pool. While it would excite a lot of young athletes, the Frenchman had a humble response.
"I mean, of course, as a competitor," Sarr said. "But, for me, it is more important to be drafted. I think, at the end of the day, that is most important. And you just got to be grateful for that," he added.
Alex Sarr started his professional career with Spain’s Real Madrid’s youth roster. He also logged in early international experience with the age-restricted FIBA U17 and U19 World Cup stints.
His talent was recognized, as he was called by Overtime Elite for two years before repping the Perth Wildcats in Australia's National Basketball League.
Sarr's frame allows him to tank inside the paint, while his skills allow him to roam free on the court. He averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks under 17 minutes across 27 games with the Wildcats last season.
Alex Sarr could miss out on the #1 pick
The seven-foot Alex Sarr is touted to have the highest ceiling in the 2024 talent class due to his athleticism, size and defensive tendencies. However, there's a chance that Sarr might not be the top pick in the draft.
While the Atlanta Hawks have the right to the first pick, Sarr has reportedly been unwilling to take part in a private workout with the franchise. Even though Sarr believes he can impact winning on teams like the Washington Wizards and the Hawks, there's a possibility that Sarr’s advisers believe there are better landing spots for their client.
With that, Risacher could emerge as a possible candidate for Atlanta. Just like Sarr, the six-foot-nine forward brings plenty of overseas experience, as he was a part of France’s top professional league last season.