2024 NBA Draft: Alex Sarr goes No. 2 overall to Wizards; international players selected 1-2 for first time

Both of the top two picks in the NBA Draft are from France

By Sam Quinn Jun 26, 2024 at 8:33 pm ET• 2 min read

The Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Between Sarr and No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, the top two picks in the 2024 draft have both been French. Sarr has taken a rather unusual path from France to the NBA, touching major basketball developmental programs on three different continents. 

Sarr first signed professionally with Real Madrid in Spain and played two years in their youth system. He then came to the United States and played two more seasons with Overtime Elite. When Overtime Elite folded, he elected to leave the United States to play in Australia for the Perth Wildcats. Sarr was a reserve in Australia, and he averaged only 11.1 points per game playing for Overtime Elite, so on paper, his numbers don't exactly scream top draft pick.

That said, Sarr makes up for that with stellar physical traits. He is nearly seven feet tall, but more importantly, he comes with a 7-foot-4 wingspan. That size coupled with stellar mobility has the chance to make him an elite defensive player in the NBA, especially in a scheme that allows him to switch and cover the perimeter often. Sarr's upside will depend on his growth on offense. He has ball skills and is a high-energy player, but his jump shot has a long way to go, especially given how much he seems to favor perimeter offense. If he can develop that shot, though, and also adjust to scoring more inside, he has a very promising NBA future.