Hawks Draft Outlook Entering All-Star Weekend
By Conner Burks
The Atlanta Hawks go into the All-Star break with an 18-41 record, tied for the worst in the league.
The Atlanta Hawks had very low expectations coming into this year, and rightfully so, the team got rid of three of their top four scorers and rebounders. This has earned the Hawks an 18-41 record, tied for worst in the league.
Figuring Atlanta continues to struggle, this record will grant the Hawks one of the top picks in the draft in June. The struggle will more than likely continue, as 16 of Atlanta’s remaining 23 games are against current playoff teams. 10 of those games will also be on the road where the Hawks are 5-24.
With a high draft pick almost guaranteed, how will Atlanta choose to use it?
This is a loaded draft class, however, there currently isn’t a clear-cut No. 1 overall pick. The Hawks should find themselves in the top-five. Here are five possible players they could go after in no particular order:
1. Luka Dončić, Guard, Real Madrid
The 18-year-old Slovenian who currently plays in the EuroLeague is averaging 16 points a game against tough European competition. His potential is limitless, but as we’ve seen with many before him such as Kristaps Porzingis, Dončić being foreign raises some red flags for fans.
2. Marvin Bagley III, Forward, Duke
Bagley is averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds a game, one of the most ferocious double-double averages in the country for one of the best team’s in the country. His knee has been bothering him of late, but expect Bagley to be off the board early.
3. DeAndre Ayton, Center, Arizona
The 7’1 Bahamian is a physical beast who can control the paint. Ayton gets it done night in and night out for the Wildcats averaging 19.5 points, 10.7 rebounds and a couple of blocks. He can also shoot. Though he doesn’t take them often he’s shooting 35% from three along with 74% at the line.
4. Mohamed Bomba, Forward/Center, Texas
Another seven-footer that could help the Hawks presence in the paint. He may not score as often Bagley or Ayton, but he makes up for it with his blocking ability. Averaging over four a game, he’s had nine games of five blocks or more.
5. Trae Young, Guard, Oklahoma
The Sooner phenom is leading the NCAA in both points and assists, Young would be the first to do that since the assist was an official stat for the NCAA. Gathering comparisons to Stephen Curry, he could potentially be the first truly polarizing player the Hawks have seen since ‘Nique.
Honorable mentions: Michael Porter Jr. (Missouri), Jaren Jackson Jr. (Michigan State)
Atlanta also owns the rights to Houston and Minnesota’s draft picks and will have a very early second round pick. The Hawks could potentially have three picks between No. 22 and No. 32. This could give them endless options, but more on that as the season progresses.