Last Updated on July 25, 2024 by Mathew Diekhake
It’s always risky drafting a frontcourt player high up in the draft because generally, they’re less skilled than a backcourt player. The least skilled position arguably is the center position because often they rely on strength and outwitting their opponents over pure skill with the basketball. When the Orlando Magic drafted Shaquille O’neal, they knew that he was going to be a dominant big man. Alexandre Sarr isn’t that kind of player. For Sarr to be successful, he needs to rely on skill rather than being dominant because he doesn’t have the body to dominate opponents. That said, Sarr is genuinely tall for an NBA center. Most NBA centers aren’t as tall as their listed heights and Sarr looks very tall. I think he will be one of the taller centers in the NBA and that helps dominate opponents physically. It’s never a bad thing when you’re closer to the basket. Moreover, Sarr moves his body very well for a player of his height. So his overall athleticism can help him be dominant without necessarily being able to shoot a high percentage with jump shots.
I am concerned with Alex Sarr’s poor shooting performance in the summer league, but I was always concerned about him being drafted so high in the draft. My opinions probably haven’t changed on him. He can still be a very good center in the NBA even though his shooting hasn’t been great so far. He may have been overly confident in the summer league. I’m sure his shooting will improve soon.