For a player who has yet to sign a full-length NBA contract, Oklahoma City Thunder center Olivier Sarr has a positive attitude.
Over the last two seasons, Sarr has appeared in just 31 total games for the Thunder — splitting time with Oklahoma City's primary franchise and G League affiliate — but has remained steadfast when it comes to understanding his situation.
“I mean, every night is a job interview for me," Sarr said back in April of 2022 following a Thunder victory over the Phoenix Suns. "It's just being ready every time ... whether it's on defense [or] offense."
When he said that, Sarr was coming off of 24-point performance in one of his final appearances of the year. But despite proving himself capable of producing points efficiently, that seemingly one-off showing didn't help his case.
Last season, Sarr only suited up for the Thunder nine times, averaging just four points and 3.4 rebounds in the process. Again, not helping his case of getting a full-time position with coach Mark Daigneault and company.
But is he deserving of another chance in OKC?
To answer that question, multiple factors need to be considered. One being the Thunder's perception of his ceiling, and the second being the Thunder's other options for a role with the team — which isn't likely to be a full-NBA contract.
In terms of the former consideration, Sarr has shown flashes of potential on the court. He's young, athletic and stands seven feet tall, meaning he absolutely has the makings of an NBA center. Where he lacks, however, is the level of aggressiveness that sets the league's top players apart from the rest.
Even though guys like Xavier Tillman, Jayson Tatum and Josh Hart don't have that kind of height, they far out-rebound other players with more length. They just want it more — which is something Sarr would need to show more of to warrant bringing him back.
As for the second condition, there's not much that Sarr, or any player looking to play for the Thunder this season for that matter, can do if they don't already have a full-time contract. Oklahoma City is facing a severe roster crunch, currently with 21 players on a 15-maximum roster.
That necessary cut-down doesn't come until October, but with Summer League already finished, there won't be too many more big-time opportunities for players like Sarr to prove their potential.
Yes, Sarr is talented. Yes, he's worthy of at least a two-way spot in the NBA, but unfortunately, that just might not happen with Oklahoma City, especially given his non-spectacular showings over the last few seasons.
But there's always a chance. Maybe he shows something to OKC that it hasn't seen from him before. It is a job interview, after all.
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