The NBA Draft is fast approaching, and although there isn't a generational prospect this season, there is plenty of young talent to help bolster struggling franchises. French international Alex Sarr continues to go first overall in mock drafts, and Los Angeles Clippers veteran Paul George is one of his biggest fans.
Sarr joined George's podcast Monday, and the latter likened him to Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, via Podcast P.
“I like the Giannis comparison, I like the Giannis that is one of your favorite players, because I kind of see a similar play style with the ability to get it off the rim, push and transition, handle it, create,” George said. “I think he's like him. Giannis is the prototype of a big man that you play through. So I love that comparison. I think he is a lot similar to how Giannis plays, in the play style of Giannis.”
Sarr does share similar traits to Giannis, as he possesses imposing size while also being able to bring the ball up the court and run the offense if necessary.
The 7-foot-1, 216-pound big man played for the Perth Wildcats of the Australian National Basketball League (NBL) this past season. He averaged 9.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and o.9 assists across 17 minutes per game.
Sarr also told George why he should be the first pick in the draft.
“I would say my versatility on both sides of the court, it gives you room to play different type of schemes and I can like fit a lot of these schemes,” Sarr said.
Will Sarr back up his confidence at the next level?
Sarr is one of the NBA Draft's most talented players, but becoming the next Giannis will be difficult
George's Sarr-Giannis comparison makes sense based on their measurables and play styles, but Sarr has a long way to go before he can even sniff the “Greek Freak's” level of effectiveness. The latter is a two-time NBA MVP, with a championship ring, Final MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year trophy also in his cabinet.
NBA Draft analysts project Sarr to contribute right away defensively, but will probably take longer to develop offensively. Rafael Barlowe, Director of Scouting for the website NBA Big Board, ranked Sarr as the best player in the class, via FIBA.basketball.
“His unique blend of size, length, and skills are tailored for today's NBA,” said Barlowe. “I see Sarr as an all-NBA caliber defender and borderline All-Star, as he is a switchy defender who can guard all over the floor. He's a force as a rim protector, using his length, athleticism, and instincts to alter shots around the basket.”
While Giannis also took a few years to develop into the franchise player he is today, he's currently much more than a “borderline All-Star.” The Greek-Nigerian international will go down as a top-25 player of all time if he stays at his current pace.
However, Sarr isn't under the type of microscope that his fellow countryman Victor Wembanyama was last year. The 19-year-old isn't expected to be a star, which will ease the pressure on him as he adjusts to the NBA game.
Follow Us
Subscribe
