Alex Sarr breaks silence on rejection of Hawks’ pre-workout request

The first round of the NBA Draft takes place tomorrow and the Atlanta Hawks hold the first overall pick. While the NBA world awaits the Hawks’ decision, it appears their selection has already been made for them. Alex Sarr, one of the best prospects in the NBA Draft, has reportedly refused the Hawks’ training requests.

During a recent media availability session, Sarr addressed rumors that he would not practice for the Hawks, according to Baillie Burmaster of Atlanta News First. Sarr seemed to suggest it was his agent’s request that he not hold a practice for the Hawks.

“I have a great team around me, Bill Duffy and WME, they’ve been through all this before,” Sarr said. “I trust them. I’m not going to go into detail about where I trained or where I didn’t, but I did the best I could in my workouts and that’s all I can control.

During the media session, Alex Sarr was asked if he wanted to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA draft, which would mean he would go to the Hawks. Sarr explained that while it’s always a player’s dream to be drafted No. 1, sometimes the situation you find yourself in is what’s most important.

“For me, it’s more important to get drafted,” Sarr said. “I think at the end of the day, that’s what’s most important, and you just have to be grateful for that.” I think I can have an impact on winning any team I come to. I’m pretty confident about it. I think my defensive versatility and offensive ability to play in different spots makes me a player that has an impact on winning.

Hawks roster could look very different after NBA draft

After two seasons of the duo of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray in the backcourt, the Hawks are reportedly looking to make a change this offseason. Murray posted numbers comparable to his All-Star season with the San Antonio Spurs in 2021-22, but the production did not translate into wins on the court.

Depending on whether the Hawks decide to part ways with Murray or Young, several teams will certainly be interested. Both players are All-Star caliber and can help many teams in the league.

But first, the biggest question for the Hawks this offseason is who they’ll select with the No. 1 overall pick. Players refusing to work out for teams doesn’t necessarily mean those teams won’t draft them. But if Alex Sarr is serious about not going to the Hawks, the team will likely turn to Zaccharie Risacher.

Like Sarr, Risacher spent last season playing professionally. While Sarr played in Australia, Risacher played in France. The last time the Hawks had the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft was in 1975, when they selected David Thompson. One possible reason Sarr doesn’t want to go to the Hawks could be that there’s a path to more playing time and a bigger role with the Washington Wizards at No. 2, given the current roster makeup of both teams.