Hawks: Projected top pick likens his game to Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo

NBA: NOV 08 Suns at Bulls

The NBA Draft is about a month away, and the overwhelming belief is the Hawks will take Alex Sarr if they make the pick.

The 7-foot Frenchman sat down with Shams Charania and likened his game to two of the greatest talents this game has ever seen — Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Sarr actually plays a similar brand of basketball as his fellow countryman who just won the Rookie of the Year award unanimously, but Victor Wembanyama was more developed in every facet of the game coming into the draft.

KD and Giannis are similarly lengthy and able to handle the ball but are two completely different threats offensively. The latter is just speed and force, while Kevin Durant is more finesse and able to threaten at all three levels offensively.

Wembanyama is almost a combination of the two, able to get his own shot, unlike Sarr. With the Perth Wildcats, Sarr averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks in 18 minutes per game.

He’s a mobile 7-footer with obvious defensive versatility and upside that should interest the Hawks, but his offense needs to be developed. That’s not to say he can’t develop into a version of these long, versatile offensive stars in the NBA, but there is the question of how long before develops into a significant contributor.

It is important because there needs to be an internal clock within the organization in regard to Trae Young. The Hawks superstar isn’t going to wait around forever.

Atlanta’s front office will have to balance what’s best for the franchise in the long term while also maximizing Young’s window. It’s playing both sides of the fence, and it may be impossible, but the Hawks seem pegged to take Alex Sarr if they make the selection as far as NBA pundits are concerned.

Photographer: Melissa Tamez/Icon Sportswire

 

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