The Atlanta Hawks have a crucial decision to make with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. French center Alex Sarr is widely considered a top prospect, and his potential addition to the Hawks could significantly impact the team's future. This article will delve into why the Hawks should select Sarr and how he could complement their star point guard, Trae Young.

Sarr's most significant asset is his defensive versatility. Standing at 7 feet tall with a 7-foot-4 wingspan, he possesses the physical tools to become a dominant rim protector and switchable defender. This skill set would be invaluable for the Hawks, who have struggled defensively in recent seasons. Sarr's presence could help mask Trae Young's defensive shortcomings and elevate the team's overall defensive performance.

While Sarr's offensive game is still developing, he has shown promise as a versatile big man. He has demonstrated the ability to stretch the floor and knock down three-pointers, which would complement Trae Young's playmaking and scoring abilities. Sarr's mobility and agility for his size make him an ideal candidate to run the pick-and-roll with Young, creating a dynamic duo that could terrorize opposing defenses.

Selecting Sarr would provide the Hawks with a long-term solution at the center position. With Clint Capela on the downside of his career and Onyeka Okongwu still developing, Sarr could become the team's defensive anchor and offensive fulcrum for years to come. His potential to grow alongside Young and other young talents like Jalen Johnson would be a significant boon for the Hawks' future.

Sarr's ability to set effective screens and roll to the basket would create numerous scoring opportunities for Trae Young. Young is one of the best pick-and-roll playmakers in the NBA, and Sarr's size and mobility would make him a dangerous target for lobs and short passes. This partnership could become a staple of the Hawks' offense, creating a high-scoring tandem that would be difficult for opposing defences to contain.

Sarr's shooting ability would also benefit Young by providing additional floor spacing. Young is an elite shooter and playmaker, but he often faces double teams and traps due to the lack of consistent shooting from his teammates. Sarr's ability to knock down three-pointers would force defenders to stay honest, giving Young more room to operate and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.

As mentioned earlier, Sarr's defensive versatility would be a significant asset for the Hawks. His ability to protect the rim and switch onto smaller players would provide Young with the defensive support he needs to focus on his offensive game. This partnership would allow Young to take more risks on the defensive end, knowing that Sarr is there to clean up any mistakes.

The Atlanta Hawks should draft Alex Sarr with the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. His defensive versatility, offensive potential, and long-term fit make him an ideal candidate to complement Trae Young and help elevate the Hawks to the next level. By selecting Sarr, the Hawks would be making a wise investment in their future and setting themselves up for success in the years to come.