Interview Olivier Sarr: “With Alexandre, it would be a dream to play together in Blue! »

Passing through OKC to finish 2023, we didn't fail to catch up on Olivier Sarr (24 years old, 2m08). The Oklahoma City tricolor interior has not played with the Thunder for three minutes against Denver before New Year's Eve, but he is taking advantage of an extended stay at home to play two G-League matches, in a double-double averaging 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Lacking playing time (8 minutes on average over 8 appearances), the former Kentucky interior has no intention of letting himself be distracted from his NBA goals. Trained in Toulouse then at Insep, Olivier Sarr also tells us about his dream of the French team. A dream shared by his brother, Alexandre, which would make a great duo in Blue!

Olivier, you have been playing in the G-League for three seasons now, can we say that you are comfortable there?

Yes, I've been in the NBA for several seasons and played games in the G-League. Now the G-League is no problem for me [en termes de niveau].

The danger ultimately is that it becomes routine, when you are obviously aiming for the upper floor?

As I am on a two-way contract, I have fifty games allowed in the NBA. And recently I've been “active” a lot [intégré à l’effectif, sur la feuille de match donc]. So we used a lot of my matches. Like right now, we have a lot of home games, [le coach] likes to use these opportunities to move up to the G-League, which doesn't make me miss any time with the Thunder, without travel. Instead of sitting there doing nothing, you might as well take advantage of the opportunity to play.

Do you think that this playing time in the G-League can nevertheless allow you to take the definitive step towards a place in the squad?

In any case, it allows me to play basketball. It also allows me to work [en match] on what I work on in training every day. Implement what I want to implement in my game. At the moment, it's with the G-League but my vision is to be able to do it again [avec le Thunder] when I have the opportunity and minutes. The main thing is to spend time on the field.

“I feel that there is no longer the same physical difference”

This is obviously a delicate question, but what are you really missing to establish yourself in the OKC squad?

For me, it's not a question of what I'm missing. The coach's choices mean that at the moment, the team is doing very well with very good results. If I put myself in his shoes, I completely understand that he doesn't want to change things or disrupt the balance of the team. It’s the professional world, that’s how it is. Sometimes it's important not to question team choices.

What would be the area of ​​your game that you would like to improve for the future, because it seems that you are destined for a “stretch five” role?

I must continue to expand, to progress physically. Now I feel that there is no longer the same physical difference that there was in my first two years, where I felt that there was a big impact. I must continue on this path. And then, continue to gain confidence offensively. Continue to lead the defense on the other side, guide my teammates and protect the racket. Afterwards, it will depend on the role that the coach wants to give me. If it’s a “stretch 5” role, I have the capabilities. If it's a role of inner presence, I have the capabilities too. If it's both, so much the better.

With Chet Holmgren ahead of you in the hierarchy, you have the ultimate prototype of the “stretch 5” and the incredible evolution of the pivot position. Do you think you have followed this evolution in your game as well?

Yes, I'm part of this evolution of the game. That's what made me be in the NBA for three years too. Of course, we always want more in terms of contract, but that's what makes me a fairly special player at this level because I can move out of the way, I can defend in several positions, I can counter . But I also have a “physicality” inside, I can read the game. In short, there are many aspects in the game of the modern pivot, I think I have adapted to this evolution.

“I say it again, people need to know, I am more than open to the French team”

Let's talk about the French team, you haven't touched it for a while. What are your relationships with the staff? Do you think you can integrate the project quickly?

[La dernière fois] it was young people. It's been a while. Boris [Diaw] came to see us last year, and the year before too, to talk about the French teams. I say it again, people need to know, I am more than open to the French team. I hope I'll be called upon, it's really something I want to be a part of. And why not with my brother in the years to come. It is a dream.

So is this a subject of discussion between you, with Alexandre?

Of course. After all, it's not something we can control. All we can do is control our progress and make ourselves available to the Team. It would be a dream to play together in Blue and it would be a gift that we would really like to give to our parents. And then for us too, as players.

In your still undecided situation between the NBA and its anteroom, is it still inconceivable to return to Europe? Where there are also big contracts to be had…

It's not a question of money, although you certainly have to maximize your career, because it doesn't last that long. For now, I'm focused on following my vision of the highest level and everything I've always wanted to do since I fell in love with basketball. Now that I'm here, there's nothing else on my mind [que de m’y faire ma place]. To be able to perform here and accomplish the goals I set for myself. My mind is in the NBA 100%.

How much time do you still have to make your mark in the NBA?

I don't give myself time. As long as I'm here, in the NBA locker room, answering interviews, that means I'm still on the right path. My timing is not people's. Everyone in life has their own path. Sometimes some things take time. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Some people don't understand that it's a form of relentlessness, that it's an obsession. But as an athlete, that's how I see things, that's how I operate. I'm not giving up.

Comments collected in Oklahoma City

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.