Olivier Sarr signed by the Oklahoma City Thunder

One man’s misfortune is another’s opportunity. As COVID-19 forces folks to the sideline around the NBA, others are receiving a coveted opportunity to shine in the spotlight. Former Kentucky Wildcat Olivier Sarr is the latest to get a shot during a tumultuous time around the league.

Sarr is one of three players called up this week from the Thunder’s G League affiliate on 10-day hardship deals. The center is joined by Rob Edwards and University Heights legend, Scotty Hopson. The 32-year-old seasoned veteran and former Tennessee Volunteer has spent most of his career abroad, but he has played in 95 career G League games. This year he is averaging 6.4 points in 20.5 minutes of action this year. This will be the Hopkinsville native’s third stop in the NBA.

Unlike Hopson, Sarr’s career is just getting started and this could be what helps it take flight. The 7-footer from France has played in 14 games for the OKC Blue, averaging 7.1 points on 52.2 percent shooting, 4.8 rebounds, 1.2 assists in 14.1 minutes of action. A three-year player at Wake Forest, he transferred to Kentucky for the Covid-plagued 2020-21 basketball season. Sarr went undrafted after posting 10.8 points and 5.2 rebounds per game for the Wildcats.

Sarr will join another former Wildcat in Oklahoma City, Western Conference Player of the Week Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. SGA averaged 27.5 points, 6.3 rebounds, 7 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks to lead the THunder to a 3-1 record last week.

Sarr could get his first NBA action tonight when OKC travels to Sacramento at 10 pm ET. Here’s to hoping the former Wildcat makes the most of his shot at the NBA.