(Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Hawks got the No. 1 pick in the NBA Draft.
That would be great news every other year except for this one, as this is one of the least impressive classes in NBA Draft history.
That’s why they could use that selection to get more value.
According to ESPN Draft insider Jonathan Givony, the Hawks are reportedly showing that they could take French big man Alexandre Sarr with the No. 1 pick in an attempt to force the Washington Wizards to trade up (via NBA Central).
The Atlanta Hawks are willing to take Alex Sarr with the No. 1 pick, which may force the Wizards to trade up, per @DraftExpress
“NBA teams say the Hawks are indicating they could take Alex Sarr at No. 1, which some speculate might be more an attempt to force the Washington… pic.twitter.com/59RoPWGFs4
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 24, 2024
As of last week, they hadn’t even hosted Sarr for a workout, and fellow Frenchman Zaccharie Risacher seemed to be the odds-on favorite to go first overall.
Nonetheless, with the Wizards reportedly keen on Sarr and vice versa, this bluff could force them to make an offer to get that No. 1 selection.
Sarr is a polished, defensive-oriented player, but his offensive game requires plenty of work.
He has the physical tools to be an elite rim protector and could make an impact on that end of the floor right away.
As for being a potential superstar or even a franchise player, that remains to be seen.
The Hawks are entering a full-scale rebuild and would benefit from getting as much talent as they can in return, even if that means trading down from No. 1.
On that same note, the Wizards, who are also rebuilding, should be wary of overpaying for that No. 1 pick, especially with no unique talents or potential superstars currently in sight.
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