The first overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft is likely going to be Alex Sarr. The versatile French big man is one of the most intriguing prospects in a draft class without a true top name.

On The Ringer NBA show, Sarr discussed his path to the NBA and what he thinks he will be able to do at the next level. Like just about every young player, the 19-year-old believes he's his own player and doesn’t want to be a carbon copy of another.

“I have a few players that I like to watch but I don’t really see myself as just one player that’s playing right now,” Sarr said when asked who his comparisons are to past and present NBA players. Still, he offered the names of a few players who he has watched and learned from. All of them are mobile big men who can block shots and slide their feet on the perimeter.

“I used to watch a lot of Anthony Davis, Giannis [Antetokounmpo]. I used to watch Jaren Jackson [Jr.], Evan Mobley,” Sarr said. He added that players of that mold are “important” and provide a model for how he can impact the game at the next level. Each name is a good call for Sarr, a long, defensive-minded big man who can be a game-wrecker in the NBA.

Top prospect Alex Sarr models game after big, versatile defenders

Sarr can handle and shoot the ball but those skills are the cherries on top of his game. What makes him such an intriguing prospect is how tall and athletic he is and how good he is on defense. At 7-foot-1 (in shoes) with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he's a big guy who can make a lot of great plays on defense. Because of his slender frame and agility, he projects to be a more versatile defender than other bigs in his draft class.

When asked if he believes he can be impactful in any scheme, Sarr said that he thinks he can. He pointed to his improvement in his drop coverage and how he can thrive in a variety of defensive packages.

“Today, I'm comfortable whether I'm in drops, whether I gotta hedge, whether we're switching one through five,” Sarr said on The Ringer NBA show. “I think I'm comfortable with most of the pick-and-roll coverages. I like to switch a lot out on the perimeter because it allows me to play more in space.”

This answer from Sarr is just what teams would want to hear. His willingness to play in a variety of schemes will go a long way for not just his first team but also his entire career. Players have to be versatile in order to excel at the highest level, so Sarr gaining familiarity with as much as he can is a great way to prepare.

Whether the Atlanta Hawks hold onto the top pick or trade it, Alex Sarr will be in heavy consideration to be the No. 1 selection in the 2024 NBA Draft on June 26.