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Atlanta Hawks 2024 NBA Draft Big Board: 1.0
With the Atlanta Hawks missing the playoffs for the first time since 2020, they now need to turn their eyes to improving the roster. One way they will try and do that this summer is by making trades but the other will be through the 2024 NBA Draft.
The Hawks own their first roun pick next year, but that is going to change in the next few years due to the Dejounte Murray trade from 2022. This might be the last time for a little while for the Hawks to add a young player to the roster.
This is regarded as a weak draft by many that cover the NBA and those that cover the NBA Draft. There is not a consensus top pick in this draft which makes it unpredictable. The Draft Lottery has yet to take place as well, meaning we still don't know where teams are going to be drafting in the top 14. Right now, the Hawks are at No. 10 and have a 14% chance of getting into the top four and a 3% chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick. Who the Hawks take is going to be determined by where they land in the lottery. Also, the Hawks do not have a second-round pick in this draft. That could change on draft night, but they don't have one right now.
With that being said, here is my first big board for the Hawks for this draft. Check out where i broke down the Hawks's biggest draft needs here.
1. Alex Sarr- 7'1, 217 LBS Forward/Center, France
While I don't think there is a can't miss talent in this draft, I think that Sarr is the best talent in the draft and has the highest ceiling. He also fits a massive need for the Hawks. He is athletic, has a high defensive ceiling, and is versatile. The offense is still coming along, but Sarr would give the Hawks immeidate defense. He is the one prospect I am confident is going in the top five and probably the top three, so the Hawks will have to hope the lottery goes there way to land Sarr.
2. Matas Buzelis- 6'11, 195 LBS, Forward-G-League
It is hard to pin down where Buzelis might go in this draft. I could see him going in the top five, but he could slip down a bit. He would give the Hawks a forward with size, something they really need. His offense is a bit of a question mark. He has not shot well from three in the G-League but has a track record of being a good shooter and would be a good offensive player right away. He is not an elite defender, but he has the tools to improve. He is very good in transition as well. I like his fit on the Hawks and it fills a need.
3. Zaccharie Risacher- 6'8, 202 LBS, Forward- France
I have seen Risacher ranked as the best player in this draft but also seen him outside of the top ten. That is how unpredictable this draft could be. At 6'8, 202 LBS, Risacher is another versatile forward who would give the Hawks some needed size and defensive potential. He is also a very good three-point shooter, but that is the best thing about his offensive game right now. He still has a ways to go to grow the rest of his offensive game.
4. Donovan Clingan- 7'2, 280 LBS, Center- UConn
Clingan was a popular mock draft pick to the Hawks at No. 10, but he has seen his stock surge due to a great performance in the NCAA Tournament. Clingan would give the Hawks a shot blocking and defensive presence at center, something that I think is a need, especially if they trade Clint Capela this summer. Clingan is an excellent defender, but his offense leaves a lot to be desired and he is a poor free throw shooter. I think the Hawks would have to move up in the lottery to land him at this point.
5. Reed Sheppard- 6'3, 187 LBS, Guard, Kentucky
I am really high on Sheppard in this draft. While only 6'3, he is an excellent defender and is a strong three-point shooter, with catch-and-shoot ability. He would give the Hawks something they need, but size is a question. He is a very good defender, but size is a question. He reminds me of Derrick White though and I think that is the kind of player he could be if he reaches his ceiling.
6. Ron Holland- 6'8, 200 LBS, Forward- G-League
Holland is another player that I am higher on than most. He has a chance to be an excellent defender with his size and athleticism and he can get to the rim. He still has work to do to become a better spot up shooter, but Holland is one of the higher upside prospects in this draft. If Atlanta stays at No. 10 after the lottery, I think there is a chance that Holland is there for them to pick.
7. Stephon Castle- 6'6, 190 LBS, Guard- UConn
Castle is another player that could go in the top three, but also drop down in the draft. There are split opinions on him, but I think Castle would be an interesting fit on the Hawks if they chose to take him. Castle is a good defender, but inconsistent offenisve player, especially when it comes to shooting. There were times when he looked like a high lottery pick at UConn last year, but there were times where he was invisible. I will be interested to see where he lands in June, but Atlanta should be interested if he is on the board when they pick.
8. Nikola Topic- 6'6, 201 LBS, Guard- Serbia
There have been some mock drafts that have Topic going as high as No. 1 in the draft, but he is a prospect I am lower on than most and I don't think he is a great fit with Atlanta. He is a very good ball handler who can get to the rim and score in the paint, but he is an inconsistent shooter and not a great defender. If he fell to No. 10 or lower, I think the Hawks should consider hiim in a best player available scenario, but he would not be a great fit on the team in my opinion.
9. Cody Williams- 6'8, 195 LBS, forward- Colorado
Williams is another versatile forward who would bring very good defense and athleticism to the Hawks. He is a great finisher at the rim, but was not a great three-point shooter at Colorado. He might be a bit of project, but he is someone the Hawks should absolutely consider taking.
Cody Williams is one of the best defenders in this class, bringing high intensity versus the best scorer Colorado faced most nights, where his size and 7'1 wingspan are difficult to deal with. He scored efficiently this season, showing strong basketball instincts and versatility https://t.Co/q3gXImI9fV pic.Twitter.Com/Ab2o8aFsB2
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 22, 202410. Dalton Knecht- 6'6, 213 LBS, Guard-Tennessee
Knecht is one of the best, if not the best, scorers in this draft and can get buckets quickly. Whether it is three-point shooting or getting to the basket, Knecht has a lot of versatility as a scorer and I think he would be a great 6th man in the NBA. His defense is the biggest issue though. I think Knecht could get picked on as a defender and would be a minus on that end of the floor. He could be there if the Hawks pick at No. 10, but there is always a chance someone falls in love with his scoring ability and takes him higher.
11. Rob Dillingham- 6'1 173 LBS, Guard- Kentucky
Dillingham is an explosive offensive player, but I don't think he is a great fit on the Hawks because of his size and defensive capabilities. Players are always going to be limited with that kind of size and Dillingham is not as good of a passer or shooter than Trae Young, someone who is similar in size. I have a hard time seeing the Hawks taking Dillingham, but they could determine him as the best player available.
12. Tidjane Salaun- 6'9, 203 LBS, Forward-France
Salaun is one of the rawest prospects in this class, but he could end up being one of the best. He would already offer athleticism and versatility for the Hawks, but he has a long way to go on the offensive end of the floor. He had a solid shooting year this year, but that is by far the best offensive year for him. Is it sign of improvement or a fluke? He is likely to be there if Atlanta ends up picking at 10th or later.
13. Kyle Filipowski, 7'0, 240 LBS, Center- Duke
Filipowski has been a popular mock draft pick for the Hawks and he would give them a center that can stretch the floor and he showed improvements on the defensive end of the floor this year. He is not as good of a finsher at the rim or paint scorer for someone his size and he has can turn the ball over more than you want. I think he is likely to be there if the Hawks stick at No. 10 and would be a solid pick.
14. Yves Missi- 7'0, 235 LBS, Center- Baylor
One of my favorite players in the draft, Missi is a very good defender and rebounder, while also being a lob threat on offense. His offensive game is limited and he is not a great passer, plus he is a poor freee throw shooter, but I think he offers upside and fills a position of need for the Hawks.
15. Jared McCain-6'3, 195 LBS, Guard- Duke
McCain is one of the best catch-and-shoot players in the draft, but does not get to the rim and lacks versatility on offense, as well as being a minus on the defensive end of the floor. He offers high upside as a shooter, but I don't love the fit on Atlanta.
16. Devin Carter- 6'3 195 LBS Guard- Providence
In terms of a fit, I think Carter would be a better fit for the Hawks than McCain. Carter is a really good point of attack defender, something the Hawks sorely need, but there is not a lot of offensive versatility in his game. His shooting numbers are solid though and if picked by the Hawks, that will not be the main thing that he is asked to do. Carter is a darkhorse to be picked by Atlanta.
17. Tristan Da Silva- 6'9, 220 LBS, Forward,- Colorado
Another versatile Colorado forward? You bet.
He is not as athletic as Cody Williams, but he is a better three-point shooter and a better passer. He is a solid defender, but the lack of high-end athleticism could limit his ceiling on the defensive end of the floor.
18. Kel'el Ware- 7'0, 210 LBS, Center- Indiana
Another big and athletic center that the Hawks need to consider taking. Ware is a very good shot blocker, a lob threat on pick and rolls, and has the ability to stretch the floor. He was very inconsistent at Indiana though and is not a great passer. Other areas that you see him struggle in are making quick decisions when catching the basketball and he can turn the ball over. He is a high upside prospect though and would almost certainly be there if Atlanta is picking 10th or later.
NBA Draft 2021: By The Numbers
NBA Draft 2021 presented by State Farm will take place on Thursday, July 29 at 8 p.M. ET at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, N.Y. ABC will televise the first round of the NBA Draft for the first time, and ESPN will air both rounds. Twenty draft prospects are scheduled to attend and have their once-in-a-lifetime experience on the biggest stage.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum will announce the selections for the first and second rounds, respectively.
Here is a by-the-numbers look at this year's NBA Draft:
History4 – Since the NBA Draft Lottery began in 1985, four first overall picks have won an NBA championship with the team that drafted them: David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs; first pick in 1987), Tim Duncan (Spurs; first pick in 1997), LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers; first pick in 2003) and Kyrie Irving (Cavaliers; first pick in 2011). James won an NBA championship in his second stint with Cleveland.
6 – Since the two-round format was adopted in 1989, Kentucky holds the record for the university with the most picks in an NBA Draft – six each in 2012 and 2015.
8 – Barclays Center will host the NBA Draft for the eighth time. It last hosted the event in 2019 prior to the pandemic.
11 – A college freshman has been the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft in each of the last 11 years.
15 – This marks the 15th consecutive year that Adam Silver will announce draft selections as either deputy commissioner (seven years) or commissioner (eight years including 2021).
1947 – The NBA Draft will be held in July for the first time since 1947, the year of the inaugural draft.
Prospects1 – In 2020-21, USC forward-center Evan Mobley became the first player to win the Pac-12 Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Freshman of the Year awards in the same season.
3 – Florida State forward Scottie Barnes, NBA G League Ignite guard Jalen Green and Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs have won three gold medals together with USA Basketball in international play: 2019 FIBA U-19 Basketball World Cup, 2018 FIBA U-17 Basketball World Cup and 2017 FIBA U-16 Americas Championship.
4 – Four 2021 NBA Draft prospects were teammates on the Montverde (Fla.) Academy team that went 25-0 during the 2019-20 high school season: Scottie Barnes, Oklahoma State guard Cade Cunningham, Arkansas guard Moses Moody and North Carolina center Day'Ron Sharpe.
7.6 – Adelaide 36ers guard Josh Giddey (Australia) led Australia's National Basketball League in assists with 7.6 per game in the 2020-21 season.
19 – Besiktas forward Alperen Sengun (Turkey), the 2020-21 Turkish League MVP, turned 19 on July 25.
48 – Tennessee guard Keon Johnson set the NBA Combine record with a max vertical jump of 48 inches.
75 – Last season, Cade Cunningham became Oklahoma State's first consensus All-America First Team selection in 75 years
Teams2 – The Houston Rockets franchise is set to select second overall in the NBA Draft for the first time in 51 years. In 1970, the then San Diego Rockets selected five-time NBA All-Star Rudy Tomjanovich with the No. 2 pick.
3 – The Oklahoma City Thunder has three picks in both the first round (Nos. 6, 16 and 18 overall) and the second round (Nos. 34, 36 and 55 overall).
4 – The Toronto Raptors are poised to pick fourth overall in the NBA Draft for the first time since selecting newly elected Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer Chris Bosh at that spot in 2003.
7 – The Golden State Warriors' first pick in the NBA Draft is at No. 7 overall, a spot where they have selected five-time NBA All-Star Chris Mullin (1985), two-time Kia NBA MVP Stephen Curry (2009) and NBA champion Harrison Barnes (2012) during the NBA Draft Lottery era.
49 – The Cleveland Cavaliers are set to pick third overall in the NBA Draft for the first time in 49 years.
51 – The Detroit Pistons are poised to make the first pick in the NBA Draft for the first time in 51 years. In 1970, the Pistons used the top pick to select eight-time NBA All-Star Bob Lanier, a longtime ambassador for the NBA Cares program.
Family Ties9.2 – Auburn guard Sharife Cooper's sister, Te'a Cooper, is currently averaging 9.2 points per game with the Los Angeles Sparks in her second WNBA season.
10 – Michigan forward Franz Wagner (Germany) and his brother, Orlando Magic forward-center Moritz Wagner, were both All-Big Ten Team selections with the Wolverines.
12 – Houston guard Quentin Grimes' brother, NHL veteran Tyler Myers, was selected 12th overall in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft.
33 – Boise State forward Derrick Alston Jr.'s father, Derrick Sr., was the 33rd overall pick in the 1994 NBA Draft and played three seasons in the league.
1984 – Tennessee guard Jaden Springer is the son of Gary Springer, who was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 1984 NBA Draft.
1992 – Loyola Maryland forward Santi Aldama (Spain) is the son of Santiago Aldama Alesón, who was a member of the Spanish National Team that competed against the Dream Team at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
2015 – Gonzaga guard Joel Ayayi (France) is the brother of Valeriane Ayayi Vukosavljevic, who played in the WNBA in 2015.
Global Game1 – Australia's Josh Giddey is poised to become the first NBA Academy graduate to be drafted into the NBA. Giddey attended NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia.
6 – If NBA G League Ignite forward Jonathan Kuminga is drafted in the top six, he would be the highest-drafted player from the Democratic Republic of the Congo since Dikembe Mutombo was drafted fourth overall in 1991.
9 – Last year, a record nine players from or with ties to Nigeria were drafted: Isaac Okoro, Onyeka Okongwu, Aaron Nesmith, Precious Achiuwa, Zeke Nnaji, Udoka Azubuike, Desmond Bane, Daniel Oturu and Jordan Nwora.
13 – Thirteen international players have been selected No. 1 overall in the NBA Draft, most recently Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton (Bahamas) in 2018.
27 – A record 27 international players were selected in the 2016 NBA Draft, including a record 15 in the first round and a record-tying 12 in the second round.
68 – Sixty-eight former Basketball Without Borders campers have been drafted into the NBA. This year's class features a number of potential draftees with BWB experience, including Gonzaga guard Joel Ayayi (France; BWB Europe 2017), Western Kentucky forward-center Charles Bassey (Nigeria; BWB Global 2017 & 2018), Paris Basket guard Juhann Begarin (France; BWB Europe 2019; BWB Global 2020), Zalgiris Kaunas guard Rokas Jokubaitis (Lithuania; BWB Europe 2017), Adelaide 36ers guard Josh Giddey (Australia; BWB Asia 2018; BWB Global 2020), Texas forward-center Kai Jones (Bahamas; BWB Americas 2017), Seton Hall forward Sandro Mamukelashvili (Georgia; BWB Global 2017), KK Mega Basket forward-center Filip Petrusev (Serbia; BWB Europe 2017; BWB Global 2018), Alabama guard Josh Primo (Canada; BWB Global 2020) and Oostende forward Amar Sylla (Senegal; BWB Africa 2018; BWB Global 2019).
215/25 – The NBA Draft will reach fans live in 215 countries and territories in 25 languages on their televisions, computers, mobile devices and tablets.
NBA G League4 – Four former five-star high school prospects who helped lead NBA G League Ignite to the 2021 NBA G League Playoffs are entered in the NBA Draft: Jalen Green, Jonathan Kuminga, guard Daishen Nix and forward Isaiah Todd.
24 – Twenty-four of the 60 players who were selected in the 2020 NBA Draft played in the NBA G League during the 2020-21 season, including five first-round selections.
49 – Daishen Nix has a chance to join Carlos Boozer, Mario Chalmers and Trajan Langdon as NBA players who grew up in the 49th state – Alaska.
ESPN1 – The NBA Draft will air on both ABC and ESPN for the first time ever.
5 – Five virtual technology cameras will be used for the telecast.
12 – ABC and ESPN's on-air talent will feature 12 reporters.
19 – ESPN will present the NBA Draft for the 19th consecutive year.
NBA TV4 – NBA TV's NBA Draft night coverage will include four former first-round picks: Rex Chapman, No. 8 in 1988; Brian Shaw, No. 24 in 1988; Jim Jackson, No. 4 in 1992; and Brendan Haywood, No. 20 in 2001.
Partners38 – Wilson was last used as the official basketball of the NBA 38 years ago. Last seen on the court in the 1983 NBA Finals, Wilson basketballs will adorn the green room at the NBA Draft and will join the latest draft class on the court for the 2021-22 season.
75 – The NBA Draft Cap from New Era features the commemorative NBA 75th Anniversary Season logo and marks the first league-licensed product to carry the logo.
What Will Be The Atlanta Hawks Biggest Needs In The 2024 NBA Draft?
The offseason came early for the Atlanta Hawks this year, as they lost in the play-in tournament vs the Chicago Bulls. This is the first missed postseason for Atlanta since 2020 and as a result, they will be waiting to see how the NBA Draft Lottery falls their way.
There is a lot of uncertainty going into this draft for the Hawks. The biggest questions about their offseason are going to revolve around what they will do with their roster, specifically with Dejounte Murray and Trae Young. They are not the only players that could be moved though. Players like Clint Capela, De'Andre Hunter, and maybe others, could be on the move as Atlanta works to reshape their roster.
The other thing to consider is that the Hawks don't know where they are picking at just yet. Atlanta could be picking as high as No. 1 if they get a very favorable break in the lottery, they could stay at No. 10, or they could drop down a spot or two. Where the Hawks are picking is going to determine who is available and what direction they want to go in.
Finally, this draft is viewed as being a very weak draft and there is no consensus top pick. That makes predicting where guys could be very difficult.
With that being said, what could be some positions that Atlanta looks to fill this offseason through the draft?
1. Forwards/Wings with size and athleticism
The Hawks are not a big team as presently constructed and need to add some forwards this offseason. They have De'Andre Hunter, Jalen Johnson, and AJ Griffin, and they view Mouhamed Gueye as a forward. Saddiq Bey and Vit Krejci are restricted free agents and my guess is that the Hawks will want to try and bring those guys back. Even if they do, this is still a need for the Hawks.
Who could fit that description?
One guy to look at potentially is G-League Ignite Forward Matas Buzelis. In his most recent mock draft, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman had the Hawks selecting Buzelis with the No. 10 pick and here is what he had to say about them making that pick:
"Matas Buzelis showcased enough scoring versatility, athleticism and defensive playmaking to maintain a spot in this year's lottery discussion. Inconsistency and disappointing three-point shooting numbers have also affected scouts' confidence.
Buzelis should have a legitimate opportunity to improve his stock during workouts, where he can help ease concerns over a 26.1 three-point percentage that everyone expected to be significantly higher out of Sunrise Christian Academy."
Ron Holland from G-League Ignite would also be an intriguing pick, but he might not be there when the Hawks pick. Holland is a 6'8 195 wing player that has huge defensive upside that should intrigue the Hawks.
Cody Williams (Colorado), Zaccharie Risacher (JL Bourg (LNB Pro A), France), and Tidjane Salaun (France) are the guys that I would watch for this position and any of them could be on the board when the Hawks pick.
2. A shot blocking/defensive-minded center
Whether the Hawks trade Capela or keep him, they need to find another center to develop because Capela's contract is almost and he is getting older. Onyeka Okongwu could be the starter for a long time, but the Hawks have a need at the position.
One of the draft's top guys is of course UConn's Donovan Clingan. Clingan was phenomenal during the Huskies run to their second straight national championship and is an excellent shot blocker and defender who has room to grow at the other end. I think he could be the ideal pick for the Hawks in the first round, but could go in the top five and Atlanta might not be able to move that high via the lottery.
Clingan is not perfect though. Offensively, he does not offer much right now and was a poor free throw shooter at UConn. His impact right away would be on defense and hopefully for the Hawks, his offense would grow.
Alex Sarr (Perth Wildcats (NBL), France) could end up being the best player in the draft and is the guy that is most commonly mocked near the top of drafts. He is a 6'11 217 LBS player who would bring a lot of versatility and athleticism to Atlanta and he could have the highest ceiling in the draft. The Hawks are going to probably need to pick near the top of the draft to land him, but in a draft with this much uncertainity, he could always fall to them.
The most polarizing player in this draft might be Purdue center Zach Edey. He is one of the most accomplished college basketball players of all time, but there is a big question over whether he will translate well to the NBA and how well he can play. He has been compared to Ivica Zubac by some and would offer upside as a rebounder and shot blocker. His abiltiy to play in space and defend away from the rim is a huge question mark though. He would be in play if the Hawks stuck at 10 or even fell a few spots in the lottery or in a possible trade down.
Kel'el Ware (Indiana) and Kyle Filipowski (Duke) are two other names to watch. Between the two, I would prefer Filipowski.
This is not seen as a great draft, but there is a chance to find impact players. A lot might depend on how the lottery plays out for the Hawks and that won't be known until May 12th.
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