Alex Sarr
Alexandre "Alex" Sarr is a French professional basketball player who plays as a center and power forward for the Washington Wizards of the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1] Born on April 26, 2005, in Bordeaux, France, and raised in Toulouse, Sarr comes from a basketball-oriented family; his father, Massar Sarr, was a professional player in Senegal, and his older brother, Olivier Sarr, has appeared in 46 NBA games with the Oklahoma City Thunder and other teams.[2] At 7 feet (2.13 m) tall and 205 pounds (93 kg), Sarr began playing the sport at age four, inspired by his family, and quickly rose through youth ranks, joining Real Madrid's cadet team in 2019 before moving to the United States in 2021.[3] Sarr's pre-NBA career included stints with Overtime Elite, where he earned second-team All-OTE honors in 2022–23, and a standout season with the Perth Wildcats of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) in 2023–24, averaging 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game in limited minutes.[3] Selected second overall by the Wizards in the 2024 NBA draft, he signed a multi-year rookie contract and made an immediate impact in his debut season (2024–25), appearing in 67 games with averages of 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game, earning All-Rookie First Team honors and the NBA Rookie of the Month award for December 2024.[1][4] Entering his second NBA season in 2025–26, Sarr has shown significant growth, posting averages of 19.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists through the first 12 games while shooting 53.1% from the field (as of November 16, 2025), establishing himself as a versatile, defensive-minded big man with emerging offensive skills.[4] His rapid development has positioned him as a cornerstone for the Wizards' rebuilding efforts and a key figure in the influx of French talent to the NBA, following players like Victor Wembanyama.[5]Biography
Early life
Alexandre Sarr was born on April 26, 2005, in Bordeaux, France, and raised primarily in Toulouse.[3][6] He grew up in a basketball-centric family; his father, Massar Sarr, was a professional player in Senegal before moving to France, and his older brother, Olivier Sarr, has played in the NBA, currently with the Toronto Raptors.[7][2] His mother, Marie Sarr, helped foster a supportive home environment that encouraged athletic pursuits.[8] Sarr was introduced to basketball at age four, inspired by watching his father and brother compete.[2] He began formal training soon after in local French clubs, honing fundamental skills amid the sport's prominence in his household.[3] This early exposure laid the groundwork for his rapid progression in the sport.[9] In 2019, at age 14, Sarr relocated to Spain to join Real Madrid's youth academy, spending two seasons with their Cadet A team.[5][2] There, he competed in youth competitions and drew attention from international scouts, including those from French junior national teams, for his athleticism and potential.[10] Seeking advanced development amid the COVID-19 disruptions, Sarr left Europe in 2021 to join Overtime Elite in the United States, transitioning toward professional play.[11]Personal life
Alexandre Sarr holds French nationality and was born in Bordeaux, France, on April 26, 2005, to parents Massar and Marie Sarr.[7] His father, Massar, is a Senegalese immigrant who moved to France at age 18 and played professional basketball in the country's fourth division, instilling a strong basketball-oriented family environment from an early age.[12] Sarr's Senegalese heritage through his father has shaped his cultural identity, with regular visits to Senegal—nearly every other summer—where he connects with extended family, plays soccer with cousins, and enjoys traditional dishes like yassa, a rice dish with onions and chicken.[12] He emphasizes the importance of these roots, stating, “That’s something that’s really important for our family, to know where we’re from.”[12] Sarr maintains close family ties, particularly with his older brother, Olivier Sarr, a fellow professional basketball player who has appeared in the NBA with teams including the Oklahoma City Thunder; the siblings exchange advice on the game and share a mutual influence from their father's legacy.[12] Beyond basketball, Sarr's off-court interests include playing soccer during family trips to Senegal and watching NBA highlights, drawing inspiration from French icon Tony Parker.[12] He has expressed interest in giving back through philanthropy, planning to co-host basketball camps in Senegal with his brother to support youth development there.[12] Following his selection as the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Sarr relocated to Washington, D.C., to join the Wizards, where he resides in team-provided housing as he adjusts to life in the United States.[8] His prior experiences living abroad— including stints in Atlanta from 2021 to 2023 and Perth, Australia, in 2023–2024—have honed his adaptability to new cultures and environments, as he noted, “I’ve learned how to adapt to new places, new people, a new way of living pretty fast.”[12] In March 2025, Sarr signed a partnership with Decathlon, designating the brand as his official technical partner and exclusive shoe supplier, marking an early endorsement aligned with his athletic lifestyle.[13]Professional career
Overtime Elite (2021–2023)
In 2021, at the age of 16, Alex Sarr signed with Overtime Elite (OTE), becoming the league's first European signee and forgoing the traditional U.S. high school and college basketball pathway in favor of professional development and guaranteed compensation.[11] Prior to joining OTE, Sarr had trained at Real Madrid's youth academy in Spain after beginning his career at the French institute INSEP.[11] During his first OTE season in 2021–22, Sarr played for Team Overtime, averaging 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while adjusting to the faster-paced American style of play.[14] In his second year, 2022–23, he joined the YNG Dreamerz squad and showed significant growth, averaging 11.1 points per game and earning second-team All-OTE honors.[15][16] Key performances included a standout game on February 12, 2023, against the Hoops 24/7 Holy Rams, where he recorded 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, and a career-high 7 blocks, highlighting his emerging defensive prowess.[17] Sarr's time at OTE emphasized skill refinement, particularly in attacking the rim more aggressively rather than relying on fadeaways, alongside improvements in his shooting range and defensive versatility against varied opponents. This exposure to high-level competition in a pro-like environment accelerated his adaptation to NBA-caliber physicality and tempo. In May 2023, Sarr departed OTE to sign with the Perth Wildcats in Australia's NBL, seeking senior professional experience that would solidify his eligibility for the 2024 NBA Draft as a 19-year-old international prospect.[18]Perth Wildcats (2023–2024)
In May 2023, Alex Sarr signed a two-way contract with the Perth Wildcats of Australia's National Basketball League (NBL) for the 2023–24 season as part of the league's Next Stars program, which aims to develop international prospects for the NBA.[19] This move followed his time at Overtime Elite, providing him with his first senior professional experience in a top-tier league. Sarr arrived in Perth in July 2023 and quickly adapted, making his NBL debut on October 6, 2023, during the team's annual Pink Game against the Adelaide 36ers.[20] Sarr primarily served as a rotation player at power forward and center, bringing elite athleticism and rim protection to the Wildcats' frontcourt. Over 18 regular-season games, he averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 assist, and 1.5 blocks in 18.0 minutes per game, shooting 52.0% from the field and 29.8% from three-point range.[3] His defensive impact was evident in standout performances, such as recording a season-high five blocks in a January 1, 2024, road win over the Tasmania JackJumpers.[21] Sarr also showed growth as a perimeter shooter, highlighted by two clutch three-pointers in the final minutes of his debut game, securing a 104–103 victory over Adelaide.[22] The Wildcats finished the regular season fourth with a 16–12 record, advancing to the playoffs where Sarr appeared in both semifinal games against the Melbourne United before a 2–0 series loss. His contributions helped bolster Perth's interior defense during their postseason push. Midway through the season, Sarr encountered a minor setback with a hip strain sustained on December 28, 2023, in a win over Adelaide; an MRI confirmed the issue, and he missed about three weeks before returning to full practice.[23] Sarr's NBL tenure elevated his draft stock, with scouts lauding his 7-foot-1 height, 7-foot-4 wingspan, fluidity in transition, and potential as a switchable defender capable of guarding multiple positions.[24] Following the Wildcats' playoff exit in March 2024, he declared for the 2024 NBA draft, forgoing further professional play abroad.[2]Washington Wizards (2024–present)
The Washington Wizards selected Alex Sarr with the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.[1] On July 6, 2024, he signed a four-year rookie contract worth $51.1 million, with the first two years fully guaranteed at $23 million.[25] In his rookie season during 2024–25, Sarr averaged 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game across 67 appearances, emerging as a key contributor for the rebuilding Wizards.[26] He made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, recording 12 points and six rebounds in a 117–113 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.[27] A notable milestone came on March 15, 2025, when he posted a career-high 34 points in a 126–123 victory over the Denver Nuggets.[1] Entering his sophomore campaign in 2025–26, Sarr has elevated his production, averaging 19.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 53.1% field goal shooting through the first 12 games as of November 16, 2025.[28] As a starter in the Wizards' lineup, he has solidified his role as the team's defensive anchor, leading the squad in blocks and rim protection while contributing to their ongoing rebuild focused on young talent development.[29] His growth has been evident in improved finishing at the rim and playmaking, transforming the Wizards' interior defense.[30] By November 2025, Sarr achieved rapid career milestones, becoming the third-fastest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 points, 100 three-pointers, and 100 blocks in just 75 games—trailing only Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.[31] This accomplishment underscores his accelerated impact as the Wizards' cornerstone amid their rebuilding efforts.[32]International career
Youth career
Alexandre Sarr began representing France in international youth competitions at the age of 16, contributing to the nation's success in FIBA junior events as a versatile forward with strong defensive instincts.[33] In 2021, Sarr played a key role for the French U16 team at the FIBA U16 European Challengers tournament in Montenegro, where France won the gold medal after going undefeated in five games. Averaging 12.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, Sarr showcased his scoring ability inside the paint and emerging rebounding prowess, helping secure victories against teams like Bosnia and Herzegovina and Ukraine.[34][35] Sarr's international profile elevated in 2022 at the FIBA U17 World Cup in Spain, where he averaged 12.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.4 blocks over seven games, shooting 63.6% from the field. His defensive contributions, including shot-blocking and perimeter versatility, were instrumental as France captured the bronze medal, defeating Australia in the third-place game after a semifinal loss to the United States. This tournament highlighted Sarr's growth as a rim protector and transition player, drawing attention from scouts for his athleticism at 6'10".[33][36][16] The pinnacle of Sarr's youth career came in 2023 at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Debrecen, Hungary, where he helped lead France to a silver medal, falling to Spain in the final. Playing all seven games and averaging 22.5 minutes, Sarr posted 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.0 blocks per contest, emphasizing his elite shot-blocking and defensive range that disrupted opponents' offenses. His performance in the semifinal win over the United States, including multiple blocks, underscored his role as a key prospect in France's frontcourt.[33][37][35] These tournaments provided Sarr with crucial international exposure, refining his perimeter defense and overall mobility against diverse competition, which accelerated his development as a modern big man. Following the 2023 U19 event, Sarr transitioned toward professional opportunities, building on his youth achievements. Prior to these national team stints, he had brief experience in Real Madrid's youth academy.[35][20]Senior career
Alex Sarr made his debut for the France senior national team on August 5, 2025, in an exhibition game ahead of EuroBasket 2025, where he scored 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, while adding four rebounds in just 14 minutes during an 81–75 victory over Montenegro.[38][39] In the EuroBasket 2025 tournament, Sarr appeared in France's first two group stage games, averaging 9.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game with an efficiency rating of 13.5.[33] Against Belgium on August 28, he contributed seven points and four rebounds in 17 minutes off the bench during a 92–64 win.[40] In the following matchup versus Slovenia on August 30, Sarr tallied 12 points to help secure a 103–95 victory, showcasing his role as a versatile big man who stretches the floor with perimeter shooting and provides rim protection.[41][42] Sarr's selection for the senior team stemmed from his strong youth international performances, which paved the way for his inclusion in France's preliminary 58-man roster announced in June 2025.[43] He balanced his national team commitments with his NBA schedule by participating during the offseason, following the conclusion of the 2024–25 Washington Wizards season in April.[27] However, Sarr suffered a left calf injury during France's second group game against Slovenia on August 30, which caused him to miss the third game against Israel on September 1 and the remainder of EuroBasket 2025, limiting him to two tournament appearances.[44][45] Looking ahead, Sarr is expected to play a larger role for France in upcoming cycles, including the 2027 FIBA Basketball World Cup qualifiers beginning in late 2026, building on his early senior contributions and potential as a key frontcourt piece.[46][47]On-court profile
Playing style
Alex Sarr is a versatile big man known for his exceptional length and mobility, allowing him to operate effectively as a forward or center in modern NBA schemes.[3] At 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m) tall and 224 pounds (102 kg) as of 2025, his frame combines with a 7-foot-4.25-inch wingspan to give him elite reach for contesting shots and securing rebounds, while his athleticism enables quick transitions and fluid movement on both ends of the court.[48][27][49] Offensively, Sarr has developed into a multi-faceted scorer, particularly as a pick-and-roll screener. His three-point shooting has emerged as a key weapon, highlighted by his rookie-year milestone of becoming the youngest player in NBA history to record 100 made threes alongside 100 blocks.[50] This stretch-and-space ability complements his role as a rim-runner, though his finishing around the basket remains inconsistent at under 50% efficiency.[49] Defensively, Sarr excels as a rim protector and switchable defender, leveraging his length and lateral quickness to deter drives and guard multiple positions.[51] In his 2024-25 rookie season, he averaged 1.5 blocks per game to rank eighth league-wide, joining Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren as one of only three rookies in recent history to reach 100 blocks and 100 three-pointers in a season.[30][52] His ability to switch onto perimeter players adds versatility to team defenses, though scouts note his rim protection will improve with added physicality.[53] Key areas for growth include building strength to better handle physical matchups and improving finishing consistency, as his rookie offensive efficiency lagged behind his defensive impact. By the 2025-26 season, Sarr had added weight to reach 224 pounds, enhancing his ability to handle physical matchups.[49] Wizards general manager Will Dawkins emphasized Sarr's potential for greater efficiency and physical presence in 2025 evaluations.[53] One scout highlighted that his upside as a rim protector hinges on bulking up to withstand NBA bigs.[53] Sarr's evolution from a raw, athletic prospect in Overtime Elite—where he showcased initial shot-blocking and transition play—to a more polished NBA starter by the 2025-26 season reflects targeted development in strength training and offensive reads.[3] Early in his sophomore year, he has shifted toward more interior scoring, attempting higher-percentage shots at the rim compared to his perimeter-heavy rookie approach.[30]Accolades and milestones
Alex Sarr was selected second overall by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft, marking him as one of the top prospects in a class headlined by fellow French players.[54] During his rookie season in 2024–25, Sarr earned NBA All-Rookie First Team honors, recognizing him among the league's top first-year performers alongside players like Zaccharie Risacher.[55] He finished fourth in voting for NBA Rookie of the Year, highlighting his impact as a versatile big man for the Wizards.[56] Additionally, Sarr was named Eastern Conference Rookie of the Month for December 2024, after leading all rookies in scoring that month with averages of 13.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game.[57] In the early 2025–26 season, Sarr achieved a significant milestone on November 5, 2025, becoming the third-fastest player in NBA history to reach 1,000 career points, 100 three-pointers made, and 100 blocks, accomplishing the feat in just 75 games—behind only Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren.[58] That same game against the Boston Celtics saw Sarr score a career-high-tying 31 points, including 4-of-5 from three-point range, along with 8 rebounds and 3 blocks.[59] Earlier in the 2024–25 season, he had set a previous career high of 34 points against the Denver Nuggets on March 15, 2025.[59] Internationally, Sarr helped France secure a silver medal at the 2023 FIBA Under-19 Basketball World Cup, where the team fell to Spain in the final after defeating the United States in the semifinals; he averaged 7.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks across seven games. Prior to his professional career, Sarr earned second-team All-OTE honors in the Overtime Elite league during the 2022–23 season, underscoring his development as a top prospect.[3] In the NBL with the Perth Wildcats during the 2023–24 season, Sarr was a standout as part of the league's Next Star program, though he did not receive formal rookie or defensive awards; his performance, including 9.6 points and 4.5 rebounds per game in limited minutes, propelled him into the NBA draft conversation.[60]Career statistics
NBA
Alex Sarr entered the NBA as the second overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft by the Washington Wizards and has appeared in 79 regular-season games through the early portion of the 2025-26 season.[1] In his rookie 2024-25 season, he started all 67 games he played, averaging 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 27.1 minutes per game, while shooting 39.4% from the field and 30.8% from three-point range.[1] His advanced metrics included a player efficiency rating (PER) of 12.9 and -0.3 win shares (WS).[1] During the 2025-26 season, as of November 16, 2025, Sarr has played and started all 12 games, boosting his per-game averages to 19.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists in 29.4 minutes, with improved shooting splits of 53.1% from the field and 35.1% from three.[1] Advanced metrics reflect this progress, with a PER of 22.3 and 0.6 WS through these games.[1] Sarr has not yet appeared in NBA postseason games.[1]Regular Season Per Game Stats
| Season | Team | G | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | WAS | 67 | 67 | 27.1 | 4.9 | 12.4 | .394 | 1.6 | 5.1 | .308 | 1.7 | 2.5 | .679 | 1.9 | 4.6 | 6.5 | 2.4 | 0.7 | 1.5 | 1.7 | 2.2 | 13.0 |
| 2025-26 | WAS | 12 | 12 | 29.4 | 7.8 | 14.8 | .531 | 1.1 | 3.1 | .351 | 2.3 | 3.2 | .737 | 2.5 | 6.1 | 8.6 | 3.8 | 0.8 | 2.3 | 2.6 | 1.8 | 19.1 |
Regular Season Advanced Stats
| Season | Team | G | MP | PER | TS% | 3PAr | FTr | ORB% | DRB% | TRB% | AST% | STL% | BLK% | TOV% | WS | WS/48 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024-25 | WAS | 67 | 1814 | 12.9 | .482 | .412 | .199 | 7.1 | 17.9 | 12.5 | 13.9 | 1.2 | 5.0 | 11.2 | -0.3 | -0.007 |
| 2025-26 | WAS | 12 | 353 | 22.3 | .591 | .209 | .215 | 8.7 | 20.8 | 14.8 | 22.0 | 1.2 | 6.6 | 13.8 | 0.6 | .084 |
NBL
Alexandre Sarr played for the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League (NBL) during the 2023–24 season as part of the league's Next Stars program. In 24 regular-season games, he averaged 9.7 points, 4.4 rebounds, 0.9 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game while playing 17.2 minutes off the bench.[61][62] His shooting efficiency was notable, with a 52.0% field goal percentage, 29.8% from three-point range, and 71.4% from the free-throw line.[61]| Season | Team | G | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | 2P | 2PA | 2P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023–24 | Perth | 24 | 17.2 | 3.7 | 7.1 | .520 | 0.6 | 2.0 | .298 | 3.1 | 5.2 | .605 | 1.7 | 2.3 | .714 | 1.4 | 3.0 | 4.4 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 9.7 |
| Totals | Perth | 24 | 412 | 89 | 171 | .520 | 14 | 47 | .298 | 75 | 124 | .605 | 40 | 56 | .714 | 34 | 71 | 105 | 21 | 11 | 32 | 26 | 33 | 232 |
Overtime Elite
Alex Sarr spent two seasons in the Overtime Elite (OTE) league from 2021 to 2023, beginning with Team Overtime in the inaugural 2021–22 campaign before transitioning to the YNG Dreamerz for the 2022–23 season.[3] During the 2022–23 regular season with the YNG Dreamerz, Sarr appeared in 17 games, averaging 11.1 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game across 25.3 minutes of play.[63] His shooting efficiency included 47.8 percent from the field, 30.0 percent from three-point range, and 65.0 percent from the free-throw line, highlighting his development as a versatile big man with strong defensive instincts in a fast-paced developmental environment.[63] In the playoffs, he contributed 8.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game, along with 1.5 blocks.[64] Sarr's OTE tenure featured no postseason beyond the league's playoff structure, as the YNG Dreamerz did not advance further. His growth in rebounding and shot-blocking during this period demonstrated increasing defensive impact, setting the stage for his professional transition to the NBL.[3]| Season | Team | GP | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | YNG Dreamerz | 17 | 25.3 | 11.1 | 6.4 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 1.1 | 47.8 | 30.0 | 65.0 |