French Basketball has always been a rising force in the National Basketball Association league. Figures such as Tony Parker and Rudy Gobert have opened the floodgates for French players to succeed. Interestingly, the NBA’s Western Conference has often selected these guys as pieces for a team.
For example, Tony Parker was drafted by the San Antonio Spurs in 2001 as a first round 28th overall pick. Rudy Gobert was selected by the Utah Jazz in 2013 as a first round 27th pick.
Speaking of the Spurs, the organization had recently drafted a French game-changing 7 feet 3 inches player known as Victor Wembanyama. A literal NBA 2K freakish blocking machine. As for a center of his alien-esque size, he has amazing ball handling and playmaking abilities. Wemby also has a versatile offensive package: post-up moves, mid-range jumpers and three pointers.
Furthermore, continuing this evolution of French representation — there is another player that also plays as a center. I’ve put so much emphasis on the Wild West that I forgot to acknowledge the East Conference. The Washington Wizards have this man as an important piece of their young, growing core and it appears that the choice is looking pristine. Like a diamond amidst the sand.
Presenting Alex “The Big Eiffel” Sarr, a tall and slender big man who had an expectedly rough rookie season. However, near the end of the season it seemed he was starting to adjust to the NBA environment. Especially on March 15, 2025, where Sarr had a career high of 34 points, six boards and five assists in a win over the Denver Nuggets.
It’s clear that he’s capable of performing at a high level. Still, his lack of defensive rebounding and his tendency to shy away from contact is a big issue. He is seven feet tall, there should be no reason why he’s scared of going down low in the paint. Sarr needs to be in the weight room for him to utilize his athleticism.
Nonetheless, Alex Sarr has a lot of good going for him. The man is an elite perimeter defender as he averages 2 blocks and 1 steal in his rookie season. And he can shoot from a long distance. However, the biggest strength he has is passing and good god Alex “The Cure” Sarr is amazing at it. Dropping dimes like he’s prime Jason Kidd down the stretch.
I will say the sky is literally the limit. Sarr’s summer league performance against my Brooklyn Nets was a clear sign he is on his way. He tallied 16 points, twelve rebounds, and eight blocks against my homegrown team — watching that was messed up but I could not let that deter me from appreciating a great two way performance. He was crucial in the Wizards win 102-96 on July 13, 2025.
So, if he becomes a defensive player of the year in the future then you know you heard it here first. And with a team filled with up-and-coming talent such as fellow Frenchman Bilal Coulibaly, Bubba Carrington, AJ Johnson, Kyshawn George, Tre Johnson, and Cam Whitmore. It’s bound to be a scary team in the East and possibly the NBA in the future.
Happy National French American Heritage Month!
