Video: Alex Sarr Answers Question on Not Working Out for Hawks Before 2024 NBA Draft
June 25, 2024
French forward Alex Sarr recently discussed his choice to pass on working out for the Atlanta Hawks, who hold the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
Sarr referenced his agent, Bill Duffy of WME Sports, when speaking to reporters on Tuesday.
"I have a great team around me," he said. "Bill Duffy and WME, they've really been through all of this. I trust them. I'm not going to get into the specifics of where I worked out and where I didn't."
Ben Golliver @BenGolliverAlex Sarr on Hawks' Landry Fields saying potential No. 1 pick declined to work out for them: "I have a great team around me. … I trust them. I'm not going to get into the specifics of where I worked out and where I didn't." <a href="https://t.co/ufIFUD3J36">pic.twitter.com/ufIFUD3J36</a>
Hawks general manager Landry Fields confirmed on Tuesday that Sarr declined to work out for Atlanta after he was scheduled to visit.
"[Sarr] was scheduled to come to work out, we had it on the books," Fields said in an appearance on 92.9 The Game's The Steakhouse show. "And then he declined to come work out."
The 19-year-old played for the NBL in Australia during the 2023-24 season, appearing in 24 games as a member of the Perth Wildcats. Sarr averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 17.2 minutes per game. He shot 52.0 percent from the field, 29.8 percent from three, and 71.4 percent from the charity stripe.
Given his height and his 7'4.25" wingspan, it's easy to see why teams are interested in selecting him near the top of the draft. Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman compared Sarr to Memphis Grizzlies forward and 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr. in his scouting report.
"The obvious draw to Sarr revolves around his rim protection, defensive switchability and potential to stretch from the floor from the 4 or 5 positions," Wasserman wrote. "He's going to serve as a roaming shot-blocker who can guard and shoot around the perimeter."
In his latest mock draft, Wasserman projected the Washington Wizards to select Sarr with the No. 2 overall pick while fellow French forward Zaccharie Risacher went to Atlanta at No. 1.
With Sarr's choice to skip the Hawks' workout, Fields may have a different prospect in mind when the team is on the clock as the first round of the draft begins on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
