Thunder End of Year Report Card: Olivier Sarr
Big man Olivier Sarr enjoyed his second stint as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder this season, making nine appearances in the NBA and 12 in the G League.
In his nine games with the Thunder, Sarr averaged four points and 3.4 rebounds per game, shooting 50% from the field.
In 2021-22, the 24-year-old center put up seven points and 4.2 rebounds per game. The 7-footer played in 22 games last season, averaging just over 19 minutes played before being released late in the season.
Overall Grade: C
While a "C" grade may seem a bit generous for a player who only put up four points per game, when considering the low expectations that surround a two-way player who was signed midseason, Sarr filled his role as well as anyone can expect. Late in the season, the Kentucky product even earned playing time in multiple "games of consequence" due to his size.
He may not have played a vital role for most of the season, but Sarr was a contributor in multiple important Thunder victories.
Offense
The second-year center didn't provide much offense for OKC in 2022-23, but recorded a productive outing when given the opportunity. In Oklahoma City's regular season finale against the Memphis Grizzlies, Sarr erupted for 22 points, 15 rebounds and one assist, going 10-of-15 from the floor.
Prior to his outburst against Memphis, the French big man's season-high was a five point performance against the Phoenix Suns. Much of Sarr's low scoring output stems from an understandable lack of opportunity, as the former Wildcat attempted less than 30 field goals this season.
Defense
The Thunder used Sarr as a counter late in the season when the team needed to throw a big body into the game for help rebounding or on defense. Listed at nearly 240 pounds, the 7-foot center was bigger than anyone that OKC had readily available late in the season.
This granted Sarr important minutes in multiple high-leverage games for Oklahoma City including; 19 minutes in a win over the Los Angeles Clippers, almost 11 minutes in a victory over the Utah Jazz and nearly seven minutes in a one point win over the Detroit Pistons. Against the Clippers, Sarr's defense and rebounding ability proved to be exactly what the Thunder needed off the bench, as the Kentucky product grabbed six rebounds and blocked two shots.
While his skillset was very niche, Sarr performed well when given the opportunity, earning the big man a "C" grade for his limited role.
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