Tag: Alexandre Sarr

Wizards’ Brian Keefe on Alex Sarr: ‘He has the ability to be a three-level scorer’

Alex Sarr entered the draft touted as a versatile player who can do plenty and the Wizards believe they can tap into that potential.

Alex Sarr entered the 2024 NBA draft touted as a versatile player who can do plenty on the court, and the Washington Wizards believe they can tap into that potential this season.

Sarr averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 52% shooting from the field last season with Perth in the NBL. He scored in double figures 14 times, including a season-high 18 points, five blocks and two rebounds on Jan. 26 against the S.E. Melbourne Phoenix.

The 7-footer has an evolving offensive game but has the ability to eventually develop into a consistent scorer. Wizards head coach Brian Keefe, speaking with Chase Hughes of Monumental Sports Network, believes Sarr can act as an offensive hub at times.

He’s got the ability to be a three-level scorer at some point. But one thing that has stood out to us is his ability to see the game and read the game. He’s a good passer, so we want the ball in his hands to explore those opportunities for him to make plays for himself and others.

Sarr showcased some of that ability in the NBA Summer League last month in Las Vegas, Nevada. However, the second overall pick struggled to score, averaging 5.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 2.5 blocks on 19.1% shooting from the field in four games.

The low point of his stay in the desert came on July 16 after he went scoreless in 29 minutes and missed all 15 of his shot attempts from the field, including seven from beyond the arc. He did record nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks and one steal.

Sarr certainly had an underwhelming debut, but the organization likely isn’t all that concerned with the results of summer league. They believe Sarr has a bright future ahead and can eventually develop into a key player for the franchise.

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Hawks’ Trae Young offers candid assessment of 2024 NBA draft class

Young, speaking with Paul George, doesn’t believe there are very many franchise cornerstones in the most recent NBA draft.

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 NBA draft, the conversation centered on how there was no clear choice for the No. 1 overall pick and how it may lack future star power.

Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young agrees with that notion.

Young appeared on “Podcast P” with Paul George this week and discussed various topics, including the incoming rookie class. The former top-five pick surmised that many players drafted may not develop into franchise cornerstones.

To be honest with you, and no disrespect to the guys that got drafted, from the (outside) looking in – and some guys may surprise us – a lot of us look at them as role players coming in anyway. The last three No. 1 picks, you got Victor (Wembanyama), you got like Ant Edwards, you got some big-time names. None of these guys – whether it’s Reed (Sheppard), who’s going to be a hell of an NBA player, or Alex (Sarr), who didn’t play well in summer league, but who’s going to be a hell of NBA player – but a lot of these guys could be just role players.

The Hawks were awarded the top pick in the draft and selected Zaccharie Risacher, who last played with JL Bourg in France. Young revealed that he welcomed Risacher to the team shortly after the draft, though he hasn’t been in the gym with him yet.

Sarr, who was also in contention at No. 1, went to the Washington Wizards with the second pick, and Sheppard was selected third by the Houston Rockets. Young previously gave Sheppard a shout-out on X, formerly Twitter, after excelling in summer league.

The class, overall, had a productive showing last month on the court, though it is far too early to determine how the group will ultimately pan out in the long run. However, it is clear the players will have to prove themselves to their peers starting next season and beyond.

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Alex Sarr, Wizards defeat Zaccharie Risacher, Hawks in summer league opener

In a battle of the top picks in the draft, Alex Sarr and the Wizards emerged victorious over Zaccharie Risacher and the Hawks in Las Vegas.

In a battle of the top picks in the NBA draft, Alex Sarr and the Washington Wizards emerged victorious over Zaccharie Risacher and the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sarr finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, four assists, four blocked shots and one steal in the 94-88 win at the Thomas & Mack Center. The second pick went 4-of-12 from the field, including 2-of-5 from 3-point range, in 32 minutes.

The Wizards also received a strong performance from 14th pick Carlton Carrington, who neared a triple-double with 19 points, nine rebounds and eight assists. The group outscored the Hawks 54-46 in the second half to pull out the win.

On the other side, Risacher produced a team-high 18 points, five rebounds, two assists and one block. The No. 1 overall pick went 7-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-9 from 3-point range in 29 minutes of action.

The Frenchmen had solid debuts with their respective teams, showcasing what made them high picks this year. They had some strong moments on offense, from shooting to passing, and displayed their defensive versatility, as well.

The matchup finished off the first day of action in the desert and proved to be a very entertaining contest. They will certainly look to build upon their efforts on Friday and continue to build positive momentum throughout the rest of the tournament.

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Former Wisconsin guard participates in third straight summer league

Former Wisconsin guard participating in third straight Summer League

The 2025 NBA Summer League officially starts on Friday, and former Wisconsin Badgers guard Johnny Davis will be participating for the third straight year with the Washington Wizards.

Davis was selected 10th in the first round of the 2022 NBA draft by the Wizards, but he hasn’t found a consistent groove in the league. The 6-foot-4 guard appeared in 50 games in his second season in the NBA this past year, averaging 3 points and 1.4 rebounds while shooting 40.3% from the field.

The 22-year-old will play alongside Washington’s three first-round picks from the 2024 NBA draft: big man Alexandre Sarr (No. 2), guard Bub Carrington (No. 14) and Kyshawn George (No. 24).

With the Wizards coming off a rather disappointing 15-67 season, their sixth consecutive losing campaign, the summer league represents an opportunity for their young assets to get more comfortable with one another, and Davis will look to take advantage.

Wizards take Frenchman Alex Sarr with No. 2 pick in NBA draft

The Wizards on Wednesday selected Frenchman Alexandre Sarr from the Perth Wildcats in the NBL with the second overall pick in the draft.

The Washington Wizards on Wednesday selected Frenchman Alexandre Sarr from the Perth Wildcats in the NBL with the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft.

Sarr averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 52% shooting from the field last season with the Wildcats. He scored in double figures 14 times, including a season-high 18 points, five blocks and two rebounds on Jan. 26 against the S.E. Melbourne Phoenix.

The 7-footer was in contention to be the top pick of the Atlanta Hawks but declined to work out with the organization, clearing the way for the Wizards to take him at No. 2. He said before the draft that he wanted to land with the right team, and that will now be the Wizards.

The Wizards’ selection at No. 2 is the third time the team has drafted at that position in the common era. He became the second international player selected after the Hawks took fellow Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher with the first pick.

Sarr is highly touted for his ability to protect the paint and block shots with his 7-foot, 4 1/4-inch wingspan. He has an evolving offensive game and has drawn some comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo with his size, skill set and ability in the open court.

The 19-year-old will join a roster featuring Bilal Coulibaly, Kyle Kuzma, Jordan Poole and Johnny Davis, among others. He projects to add scoring, rebounding and a post presence to the roster.

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Hawks’ Landry Fields: Alex Sarr declined predraft workout in Atlanta

Hawks general manager Landry Fields confirmed that Alex Sarr declined to conduct a workout with the organization ahead of the draft.

Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields confirmed that Frenchman Alexandre Sarr declined to conduct a workout with the organization ahead of the 2024 NBA draft.

Sarr is in the conversation to be the No. 1 pick by the Hawks on Wednesday, along with fellow countryman Zaccharie Risacher and UConn center Donovan Clingan. The team had Risacher and Clingan in for workouts but couldn’t secure one with Sarr.

The 7-footer was viewed as the front-runner to be the top pick after a productive year in the NBL with the Perth Wildcats. However, he dropped on most mock drafts to No. 2 to Washington after the Hawks won the draft lottery last month.

“(Sarr) was scheduled to come to work out,” Fields said Tuesday on 92.9 The Game in Atlanta. “We had it on the books, and then he declined to come work out.”

Sarr addressed the statement by Fields at the draft in New York.

I have a great team around me. Bill Duffy and WME (Sports) have already been through all of this and I trust them. I’m not going to get into the specifics of where I worked out or where I didn’t, but I’ve been doing my best in my workouts and that is all I can control.

Fields said in the interview that Sarr was the only prospect to decline a workout invitation by the team. He said the organization has finalized its draft board and has a strong idea about who it will draft with the first pick on Wednesday, barring a trade.

The comments by Fields and Sarr appear to be posturing tactics by both sides, which is typical ahead of the draft. It is unclear if it ensures that Risacher will now be the pick by the Hawks but he is currently the favorite to be the top pick by most sportsbooks.

Sarr averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 52% shooting from the field last season with the Wildcats. He scored in double figures 14 times, including a season-high 18 points, five blocks and two rebounds on Jan. 26 against the S.E. Melbourne Phoenix.

The 19-year-old is highly touted for his ability to protect the paint and block shots with his 7-foot, 4 1/4-inch wingspan. He has an evolving offensive game and has drawn some comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo with his size, skill set and ability in the open court.

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Rumor: Zaccharie Risacher is favorite to be No. 1 pick in NBA draft

Risacher is reportedly considered the front-runner to be the No. 1 pick by the Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft.

French forward Zaccharie Risacher is reportedly considered the front-runner to be the No. 1 pick by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Risacher was named the 2024 EuroCup Rising Star after averaging 11.1 points and 3.9 rebounds on 38.7% shooting from 3-point range in 65 games with JL Bourg in France. He joined Kristaps Porzingis and Jonas Valanciunas as recipients of the award.

The 6-foot-10 standout projects to check many boxes for teams at the next level. He is highly touted for his passing, playmaking on offense and shooting ability. He also brings defensive versatility, given his size and ability to guard multiple positions.

While it appears the Hawks are far from making final decisions, many teams say their intel indicates Risacher remains the favorite at No. 1, partially because of the dual-track flexibility he offers of either remaining competitive next season or tapping into his upside as the type of big, versatile wing that is difficult to acquire outside the draft.

Risacher was scheduled to visit the Hawks on Wednesday, his first known workout of the predraft process. He will reportedly also visit the San Antonio Spurs on Friday and could add other teams with picks in the top five ahead of the draft on June 26-27.

The Hawks have also brought other top prospects like Matas Buzelis, Donovan Clingan, Reed Sheppard and Cody Williams. However, they haven’t yet been able to secure a visit from Alex Sarr, who is also in the conversation at No. 1.

With one week to go until the big night, the top of the draft board figures to remain fluid as the Hawks and other teams finalize their plans. In other words: There is much to be decided.

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Potential No. 1 pick Alex Sarr was on hand for Mavericks’ historic NBA Finals win over Celtics

The potential was among the individuals on hand to watch the Mavericks defeat the Celtics in historic fashion in Game 4 of the NBA Finals.

Potential No. 1 pick Alex Sarr was among the individuals on hand to watch the Dallas Mavericks defeat the Boston Celtics in historic fashion in Game 4 of the NBA Finals on Friday.

The championship series has drawn several celebrities, athletes and past legends to the games, with Sarr the latest to take in the festivities. He was pictured courtside before the start of the contest watching players go through individual workouts.

Sarr witnessed the Mavericks’ dominating 122-84 victory, which brought the series to 3-1. The 38-point win by the Mavericks marked the third-largest margin of victory in the NBA Finals and the Celtics’ third-worst loss in franchise playoff history.

Sarr is in the conversation to be the top pick after averaging 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL. He scored in double figures 14 times, including a season-high 18 points, five blocks and two rebounds on Jan. 26.

The Frenchman is highly touted for his ability to protect the paint and block shots with his 7-foot, 4 1/4-inch wingspan. He has an evolving offensive game and has drawn some comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo with his size, skill set and ability in the open court.

Sarr has some competition to be the first player selected by the Atlanta Hawks on June 26. Fellow countryman Zaccharie Risacher is also in contention, as the Hawks are reportedly considering both players. But Sarr likely won’t fall past the Washington Wizards at No. 2.

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Rob Dillingham is among the second group of players invited to the draft green room

Dillingham conducted his required combine testing on Friday, clearing the way for him to become eligible to be selected in the draft.

Former Kentucky guard Rob Dillingham reportedly conducted his required combine testing, clearing the way for him to become eligible to be selected in the 2024 NBA draft.

Dillingham wasn’t able to participate in on-court testing last month at the combine because of an ankle injury. He was cleared this week from the injury and completed the requirements in front of teams on Friday at the Los Angeles Lakers‘ practice facility.

The 19-year-old was among the second group of prospects who received invitations from the NBA to attend the draft in the green room on June 26-27 at the Barlcays Center in Brooklyn, New York, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Teams with first-round picks each year vote on the players they believe will be drafted early, typically the top 20-25 prospects. Last year, 25 prospects were invited to the green room and only one wasn’t selected in the first round (Rayan Rupert, 43rd overall pick).

Included in the second batch of invitations were Serbian guard Nikola Topić, Duke players Jared McCain and Kyle Filipowski, Miami forward Kyshawn George, USC guard Isaiah Collier, Baylor center Yves Missi and Kansas forward Johnny Furphy.

The first group of players invited to the green room included French players Zaccharie Risacher, Alex Sarr and Tidjane Salaün; UConn players Donovan Clingan and Stephon Castle; G League Ignite players Matas Buzelis and Ron Holland; and Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard.

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Potential No. 1 pick Alex Sarr reveals goals to begin NBA career

Sarr has emerged as one of the top international prospects and potential top pick wants to make an immediate impact at the next level.

Alexandre Sarr has emerged as one of the top international prospects in the 2024 NBA draft, and the potential No. 1 pick wants to make an immediate impact at the next level.

Sarr, who was born in France, brings plenty of experience after beginning his career with the Real Madrid junior team at the age of 14. He then spent two years at Overtime Elite before signing with the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League.

The 7-footer averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks on 52% shooting from the field in 27 games with the Wildcats. He scored in double figures 14 times, including a season-high 18 points, five blocks and two rebounds on Jan. 26 against the S.E. Melbourne Phoenix.

Sarr, speaking on “Podcast P with Paul George” presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment, believes that professional experience will help his transition to the NBA.

I want to make an impact the first day I get there. Obviously, there are going to be some learning moments. There are going to be some bad games probably. I feel like I kind of already went through it and know how to get through it.

Sarr established himself as one of the top prospects after dazzling in two preseason games against the G League Ignite, averaging 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, six blocks and two assists. He continued to perform at a high level in the NBL and remained atop draft boards throughout the season.

The Frenchman is highly touted for his ability to protect the paint and block shots with his 7-foot, 4 1/4-inch wingspan. He has an evolving offensive game and has drawn some comparisons to Giannis Antetokounmpo with his size, skill set and ability in the open court.

Sarr saw the success that Victor Wembanyama saw this past season and wants to follow in his footsteps. He wants to affect games just as Wembanyama did.

I want to make an impact as much as he did in the league. I think what he did this year, he met the expectations that were given to him. It is really inspiring. He makes me think about the (French) national team 2-3 years from now and it is exciting.

He has some competition to be the first player selected by the Atlanta Hawks on June 26. Fellow countryman Zaccharie Risacher is also in contention, as the Hawks are reportedly considering both players. But Sarr likely won’t fall past the Washington Wizards at No. 2.

Sarr cited his versatility on both ends of the court and ability to play in any system as key reasons why he should be the top pick by the Hawks. He also feels as though his offensive game is underrated after being limited some in the NBL.

With much of the predraft process left to play out, Sarr is focused on preparing himself to make the jump to the NBA and his goal to become a franchise cornerstone with his next team.

“I (want to be a) part of a winning team in five years, having that established around me,” Sarr said. “Individually, I would say probably winning Rookie of the Year, getting All-Star appearances (and) making All-NBA teams maybe in 3-4 years.”

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