2024 NBA Mock Draft: Spurs prioritize two-way talents, Magic land surprise steal

Pick No. 2: Washington Wizards select Alex Sarr

Between last year’s No. 7 pick, Bilal Coulibaly, and now Alex Sarr in this scenario, the Wizards are finding themselves a much-needed new team identity with their defensive versatility. Alex Sarr is arguably the only prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft class with true “unicorn” potential. A seven-footer, Sarr’s calling card that will likely make him a top-three pick is his defensive upside. He’s being compared to NBA big men who are defensive-minded, including Evan Mobley and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year, Jaren Jackson Jr.

There’s no doubt Sarr will immediately make an impact on the defensive end with his length and athleticism, which contribute to his ability as an elite rim-protector who can also switch out onto smaller guards. The main concern surrounding Sarr is his offense and whether he can be a go-to player.

This season with the Perth Wildcats in the NBL, Sarr only averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks, although a factor in that was he only averaged 17.2 minutes per game. While he has room for improvement at 19 years old, Sarr isn’t much of a three-point threat, connecting on only 29.8 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc.

Given Sarr’s physical tools, his offensive floor will be as a tremendous lob threat, both in pick-and-rolls and in transition. His swing skill, which could determine whether or not he’s going to be an All-Star type of player, is whether he can generate offense by himself, both in the post and as a shot creator off the dribble.