2024 NBA Draft Preview: Seven prospects with Aussie links
The 2024 NBA draft is less than two weeks away. Here are some familiar names for Australian basketball fans, who could be ascending to the big stage really soon.
In the past five years, Australia has had a constant stream of exposure in the NBA draft. From local standouts like Josh Giddey, to foreign Next Stars like LaMelo Ball, the NBA draft has played a part in raising the international profile for Aussie hoops. As the 2024 edition fast approaches, we once again find a list of talented prospects that Australian basketball fans will be familiar with - who will hopefully hear their names called on 26 June (first round) or 27 June (second round).
Credit: JBC Studios
1. Alex Sarr - Perth Wildcats
Mock draft rankings: ESPN (#2), Bleacher Report (#2), The Ringer (#2), The Athletic (#1)
Frenchman Alex Sarr was perched atop most mock drafts throughout the majority of the 2023-24 NBL season, but fellow countryman Zaccharie Risacher has risen above Sarr in recent editions. Sarr is an athletic seven footer, a two way big with above the rim finishing ability and defensive potential at the other end. He used his size to good effect for the Perth Wildcats, finishing on a season average of 1.5 blocks per game, despite playing under 20 minutes each night.
The lanky big man is a sight to watch in transition, where he is capable of pushing the tempo, and often showcases freakish speed for a player of his size. Occasionally, Sarr also puts the ball on the floor from the perimeter, and makes impressive drives to finish over smaller defenders. Questions linger about Sarr’s shooting potential, as the Frenchman made just 29% of his looks from downtown (1.8 attempts per game) and shot 71% from the foul line.
All things considered, NBA teams will be enamoured by Sarr’s physical tools and two-way potential.
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