As the 2024 NBA draft approaches, one name has consistently been in the spotlight: 20-year-old Alex Sarr, who is a strong contender to be one of the top picks. Known for his impressive size and exceptional defense, Sarr recently gained attention for his opinions on NBA defensive players. The young athlete clearly admires the league’s stars.
In a recent interview with Bleacher Report, Sarr was asked to indicate when a player better than Victor Wembanyama was mentioned. Confident in his assessments, Sarr did not react to most names, even those of previous Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) winners. He dismissed Rudy Gobert, Draymond Green, and Chet Holmgren but immediately acknowledged Bam Adebayo. “Him,” Alex Sarr stated.
Interestingly, despite Wembanyama losing the DPOY title to Gobert this season, Sarr maintains that last year’s first pick is superior to the four-time DPOY winner. However, Sarr also believes that the second runner-up, Adebayo, is better than both. Despite Adebayo not being the same size as Wembanyama and Gobert, Sarr prefers his defensive skills.
Alex Sarr thinks Bam > Wemby 👀
(🎥 @BleacherReport ) pic.twitter.com/wDNPzHUupX
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 22, 2024
Sarr was likely asked this question because he is also expected to be the number one pick this year, similar to Wembanyama. Like Wembanyama, Sarr is a 7’1″ Frenchman. Predictions fluctuate weekly, but if Sarr secures the top spot, he will join Trae Young on the Atlanta Hawks. All eyes will be on that first pick on June 26th.
Alex Sarr has a chance to pair up with Victor Wembanyama
Drafting Wembanyama last year has proven to be extremely beneficial for the Spurs, who are now focused on building a strong roster around him. Although they don’t have the first pick this year, the San Antonio Spurs hold the 4th and 8th picks. However, the team is aiming to move up in this year’s draft.
Insider Marc Stein reports that the Spurs may trade their picks to draft top contender Sarr. They are looking to secure the first and fourth picks through a trade with the Hawks. If the Hawks and the second-pick holders, the Washington Wizards, are not impressed by the prospects, the Spurs might seize the opportunity.
Pairing Wembanyama and Sarr would create a formidable defensive duo for the Spurs. Their combined size and skills could also make them a dominant force offensively. It will be interesting to see what moves the Spurs make and where Sarr ends up.
