New No. 1 Pick and New Lottery Picks: Big Board 2.0

January rankings of the top lottery prospects in the 2024 NBA Draft

We’re now almost two months into the college basketball season and conference play is gearing up, which means it’s time for my second 2024 NBA Draft Big Board. 

My Big Board is my personal rankings and opinions, based on intel from NBA scouts and executives, of the top prospects in this year’s draft.

Be sure to check out the Locked On NBA Big Board podcast here.

My top 50 Big Board will be available next week

1. Alex Sarr

Perth Wildcats (Australia)
International
PF/C
7’1” | 215
Age on draft night: 19.1

Maybe all Sarr needed was a change of scenery to maximize his draft stock and capitalize on his enormous potential. I've never questioned his talent, but he always left me wanting to see more.....until his strong performance at the G League Fall Invitational in September, where he averaged 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and six blocks over two games vs the G League Ignite. 

Here's what I wrote about Sarr in August:

"In my humble opinion, Sarr is one of the ten most-gifted prospects in this draft class. 

He has everything you'd want in a modern NBA big man: excellent size at 7'1, with a 7'5" wingspan, plus he's mobile and coordinated with impressive footwork and a soft touch around the rim. Sarr can also post up, space the floor, make the right reads, handle the ball, and defend. 

Unfortunately, the Frenchman is more flash than substance at this point in his career — but he could easily find himself at the top half of the lottery next June."

Taking his talents to Australia has paid off, as Sarr has skyrocketed to the top of draft boards due to his inspired play, defensive versatility, and offensive skillset that is perfectly suited for the modern-day NBA. 

He's only scratching the surface of his potential, showing bright flashes as a ball handler, floor spacer, and looks comfortable attacking the rim on closeouts. 

My Concerns:

I'm starting to have some uneasiness with Sarr's hands as he tends to bobble passes from time to time. While I believe he'll develop into a reliable shooter in the future, through 21 games, he's only connecting on 28% of his jump shots and 63% of his attempts from the foul line. 

Note: Sarr will be sidelined for the next 2-3 weeks after suffering a hip injury from a nasty fall on December 28th. 

Alexandre Sarr Offensive Strengths Video Breakdown