After observing the first steps ofAlexandre Sarr In the Summer League, we understand better why the Wizards went looking Jonas ValanciunasVery clumsy, the Frenchman took a third of his shots from afar, and above all he likes to start from afar to go to the circle.
No back-to-the-basket play for him, but attacks facing the rim where his speed and technique could allow him to shine in the NBA. Clearly, he has a complementary profile to the Lithuanian.
“I think it allows the whole team to have alternatives. Jonas is an anchor on both sides of the field, and for this season we wanted his presence and his physicality.” explains coach Brian Keefe.“It’s not just for Alex, it’s for the whole team.”
A valuable veteran
“JV's” experience will be valuable for the entire group, especially for his ability to play alongside shifty interiors like Jaren Jackson Jr. at the Grizzlies or Zion Williamson at the Pelicans. The Lithuanian knows how to adapt to these modern interiors, and it has always worked for his teams with 8 playoff appearances in 12 years.
“It's always good when you bring in these kinds of veterans.” reacts Alex Sarr. “He has a lot of experience in the NBA, and I'm really looking forward to meeting him and getting to work.”
The same enthusiasm is shown by the group's third pivot, Tristan Vukcevic, who arrived at the end of the season. “We'll have a lot of big guys this year, and I'm ready to learn from them. Jonas has come in, and he's a very big European center. I'm looking forward to him guiding me down the path.”
One thing is for sure, it's Jonas Valanciunas who will start the games alongside Kyle Kuzma. But Brian Keefe doesn't rule out playing “tall ball” by shifting Kyle Kuzma to 3 to insert Alex Sarr at 4.
“We took it for this season” concludes the Washington coach. “He's going to bring physicality and toughness. He also has this ability to create, and to pass. He's a real pro and he's been doing this for a long time.”
