Atlanta Hawks Win NBA Draft Lottery, Potentially Selecting French Center Alex Sarr
The Atlanta Hawks pulled off a surprising victory in this year’s NBA Draft Lottery, securing the first overall pick. This comes in a year where the consensus top prospect, French center Alex Sarr, has a connection to the city of Atlanta. Sarr previously lived in Atlanta for a year as a member of Overtime Elite. He expressed his familiarity with the city, having attended Hawks games as a spectator. However, he did not have any personal interactions with the players.
The Hawks’ stroke of luck is significant considering their lack of tanking options for the next three seasons due to unprotected picks owed from a previous trade. Despite this, they managed to secure the top pick, which will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the team. Sarr, or whoever the Hawks choose with the first pick, is expected to be an impactful player and will provide a team-friendly contract for four seasons. This is especially crucial for the Hawks, who struggled defensively last season.
Sarr, who stands just under 7-feet tall without shoes, showcased his versatility as a defender at the NBA Draft Combine. He also emphasized his ability to contribute offensively. Having started playing basketball at the age of 4 due to his family’s involvement in the sport, Sarr’s development is not surprising given France’s growing prominence as a basketball country. He is part of a new wave of French talent entering the league, joining the likes of Victor Wembanyama and Bilal Coulibaly.
The Hawks will consider Sarr and forward Zaccharie Risacher as potential options for the first pick. Sarr is often mentioned at the top of draft boards, but Hawks executives and head coach Quin Snyder traveled to France to watch Risacher play. Another player to watch is Tidjane Salaun, who may have a late rise similar to Coulibaly in the previous draft.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, one of the older guard French players, commends the influx of talent from France. Gobert believes that the French clubs and federation deserve credit for developing these players and allowing them to showcase their abilities. Gobert, who knows Olivier Sarr well, praises Alex Sarr’s potential but emphasizes the importance of mindset and mental toughness in the league.
As for Sarr’s physical attributes, Gobert advises him to embrace the moment and focus on improving his body. While skills are crucial, Gobert highlights the significance of a 7-footer’s physique in the NBA. The two players may have a chance to become teammates on the French national team in the upcoming Olympics or face each other when the Timberwolves play against Sarr’s future team.
In conclusion, the Hawks’ unexpected win in the NBA Draft Lottery presents them with a valuable opportunity to select Alex Sarr, a promising French center. Sarr’s defensive prowess and offensive versatility make him an appealing prospect for the Hawks. With an influx of French talent entering the league, including Sarr, Wembanyama, Coulibaly, and others, France solidifies its position as a basketball powerhouse.