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Portland Trail Blazers waive former Kentucky big man Olivier Sarr after adding G-League star

Alex Weberby:Alex Weber•11/18/22
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Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Not so great news on Friday for former Kentucky and Wake Forest basketball player Olivier Sarr. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Portland Trail Blazers are waiving Sarr in order to make space for G-League big man Ibou Badji.

Here was the initial report from Woj, via Twitter:

“The Portland Trail Blazers are signing G-League center Ibou Badji on a two-way deal, sources tell ESPN. With a 7-foot-9 wingspan, he’s been one of the top shotblockers outside of the NBA. Badji had been with the Wisconsin Herd this season. Blazers are waiving center Olivier Sarr.”

Tough luck for Sarr, who will continue his journeyman basketball career. The frenchman initially committed to Wake Forest out of high school and developed into a star for the Demon Deacons who earned All-ACC honors in 2020. He then transferred to Kentucky for his senior season and wound up playing on the worst UK team in school history. A real bad break.

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After leaving Kentucky, he attracted NBA attention for his massive frame and wingspan (over seven feet on both) along with a smooth outside jump shot. The Oklahoma City Thunder took a stab at him last season and he actually ended up getting real minutes since the Thunder were so shallow at center. He was signed and waived and sent down to the G-League and then brought back up a number of times.

But he did shine in OKC near the end of his time there. Sarr recorded 24-point and 17-point performances back in April, and then was waived immediately afterward. Very puzzling. Ahead of this season, Sarr landed with the Trail Blazers but never saw the floor due to injury. Instead of waiting on him to get healthy, Portland waived and replaced him with a G-Leaguer.

Hey, with the Thunder unable to play Chet Holmgren, perhaps there’s an opportunity for Olivier Sarr to head back to Oklahoma City. Either way, here’s to hoping the former Wildcat lands on his feet!