Olivier Sarr on NBA debut: "I never thought I'd be here this quick"
Late Monday evening, the Oklahoma City Thunder announced the signing of former Kentucky center Olivier Sarr, a 10-day contract via the NBA’s COVID-Related Hardship Allowance. Sarr was one of three players signed to hardship deals for OKC as the team navigates through COVID-19 issues within the locker room.
“He will be ready for his chance”
Shortly after the signing, UK head coach John Calipari wished the former Wildcat luck as he approached his first real opportunity in the NBA.
“We’ve had several guys called up to the NBA over the last few weeks,” Calipari said. “Proud of all of them, but wanted to wish (Olivier Sarr) luck before his first game. The one thing our guys learn is to fight for your opportunity. Olivier did it every day. He will be ready for his chance!”
Less than 24 hours after signing with the team, Sarr registered his first NBA minutes and scored his first points as a professional. The 7-foot center finished with four points (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT), five rebounds and two blocks in 12 minutes of action.
“It was a crazy 24 to 48 hours.”
Not world-beating numbers, no, but Sarr filled in the bench role about as well as a player can on short notice. It was an opportunity the rookie was grateful to have.
“I never thought I’d be here this quick, honestly,” Sarr said after Oklahoma City’s 117-111 loss at Sacramento. “It was a crazy 24 to 48 hours. I’m really excited and happy to be here, thankful for the opportunity that the Thunder gave me. I’m just here to contribute.”
The Thunder were down seven players and the team’s head coach by the time tip-off rolled around. Sarr joined Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, Ty Jerome, Theo Maledon, Kenrich Williams, Isaiah Roby, Gabriel Deck, Mike Muscala, Paul Watson Jr, Rob Edwards and Scotty Hopson as the team’s lone available players on Tuesday.
“He gave us definitely a really good boost tonight.”
Thunder assistant coach Mike Wilks praised Sarr’s efforts after the game, adding that his transition from Oklahoma City’s G League affiliate, the OKC Blue, was “seamless.”
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“[Sarr] provided great activity, great energy, provided some rim protection was just active,” Wilks said. “He gave us definitely a really good boost tonight.”
“It was amazing.”
Sarr admits he was a bit nervous leading up to the game, but knew he’d be ready for the moment when his number was called. When that time came, he capitalized.
“I’m not going to lie, I was nervous,” Sarr said. “I didn’t think he would call my name so quickly. But I think it was a good thing because I was so focused. … It was amazing.”
Sarr spent one season at Kentucky after transferring from Wake Forest. He averaged 10.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks per game for the Wildcats and led the team with three double-doubles.
Now, he will look to continue his NBA journey this evening, as the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Phoenix Suns at 9 p.m. ET.
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