The NBA continues its new-found tradition of having the NBA G League Ignite squad, which boasts a plethora of 2024 NBA Draft prospects, take on a top international team in the fall before the regular season tips off. Last season, the world was treated to a fantastic baseball-style series between Scoot Henderson’s Ignite and Victor Wembanyama’s Met92s. This year, the OKC Thunder had a closer connection to the Fall showcase event.
The G League Ignite started a two-game set against the Perth Wildcats on Wednesday night, with game two set for Friday in Vegas: the Perth Wildcats roster Alex Sarr, the brother of OKC Thunder big man Olivier Sarr. At the same time, the G League Ignite has my projected top pick Ron Holland, Matas Buzelis, and Babarcar Sane as 2024 NBA Draft prospects.
Brother of OKC Thunder Center steals the show at the 2023 NBA G League Ignite fall showcase in Vegas.
In this contest, Alex Sarr did it on both ends of the floor in front of the entire NBA world. With scouts, high-ranking executives, and media lining the Dollar Loan Center, Sarr posted 17 points, seven rebounds, an assist, a steal, and a jaw-dropping six blocks. Alex Sarr looked even more comfortable stretching the floor, going 2-for-3 from beyond the arc like his brother.
The OKC Thunder are familiar with the Sarr family as Olivier prepares to play his third season in Bricktown on a two-way contract. For as great as he played in this game, Alex Sarr is still incredibly raw, which is why the 18-year-old is so compelling.
Alex Sarr will turn 19 on April 26th, 2024. With his 7’1 205 frame, he looks like the modern NBA big man. He is not afraid to shoot the three ball, can mix it up on the glass, and is primed to be one of the best rim protectors in the League. He can camp in the post to swat away shots, show and recover, defend the pick-and-roll, and rotate over on help-side chances.
The most important thing for Alex Sarr to develop is confidence. He can sometimes shy away from hunting chances to score, creating opportunities, or taking over the game. With his size, skillset, and motor, the young big man projects to be a top-ten pick in the June draft.
The OKC Thunder own multiple first-round picks in the 2024 NBA Draft. On top of their own pick, they own the Utah Jazz top-ten protected selection, a Houston Rockets top-four protected pick, and the L.A. Clippers first-round choice. However, the worst option of those four picks heads to Denver as part of a mid-finals trade the Thunder made.
Still, there will be plenty of chances for the OKC Thunder to wind up in Alex Sarr’s draft range. Having the intel from Olivier Sarr certainly does not hurt.