The Atlanta Hawks missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020, so they need to look to improve their roster. One way they'll try to do that this summer is through a trade, but the other will be through the 2024 NBA Draft.
The Hawks have a first-round pick next year, but that will change in the next few years with the Dejounte Murray trade starting in 2022. This may be the last time the Hawks add a young player to their team for a while. List.
This is considered a weak draft by many people who cover the NBA and those who cover the NBA Draft. There is no consensus top pick in this draft, making it unpredictable. The draft lottery has not yet been held, so it remains to be seen which team in the top 14 will draft him. The Hawks are currently in 10th place, with a 14% chance of finishing in the top 14. The probability of getting the top four and the first overall pick is 3%. Who the Hawks get will be determined by the outcome of the lottery. Additionally, the Hawks do not have a second-round pick in this draft. That might change come draft night, but right now they don't have that.
That being said, this is the Hawks' first big board of this draft. Check out our breakdown of the Hawks' biggest draft needs here.
1. Alex Sarr- 7'1, 217 LBS Forward/Center, France
I don't think there's any can't-miss talent in this draft, but I think Sarr is the best talent in the draft and has the highest ceiling. He also fills a big need for the Hawks. He is athletic, has a high defensive ceiling, and is versatile. The offense is still on, but Sarr will give the Hawks instant protection. The Hawks will have to hope the lottery goes well to get Sarr, as he's the only prospect I'm confident will be in the top five, and possibly top three.
2. Matas Bouzelis – 6'11, 195 LBS, Forward – G League
It's hard to pinpoint where Bouzelis will go in this draft. I could see him finishing in the top five, but he could fall a bit. He would give the Hawks a forward with size, which they really need. His offense is a bit of a question mark. He hasn't taken a shot in three games in the G League, but he has a track record as a good shooter and will quickly become a good offensive player. He's not an elite defender, but he has the tools to improve. He's also very good in transition. I like his fit with the Hawks and fills their needs.
3. Zachary Lizacher – 6'8, 202 lbs., Forward – France
I've seen Lizahel ranked as the best player in this draft, but I've also seen him outside of the top 10. That's why this draft is so unpredictable. At 6'8 and 202 pounds, Lizacher is also a versatile forward who will give the Hawks much-needed size and defensive potential. He's also a very good 3-point shooter, but that's the best thing about his offensive game right now. He still has a ways to go to develop the rest of his offensive game.
4. Donovan Clingan – 7'2, 280 LBS, Center – UConn
Clingan was a popular pick drafted by the Hawks in the 10th pick, but his stock skyrocketed after an impressive performance in the NCAA Tournament. Clingan would give the Hawks a shot-blocking and defensive presence at center, which I think they 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 get him at this point.
5. Reid Shepard – 6'3, 187 LBS, Guard, Kentucky
I’m really high on Shepard in this draft. Although he is only 6 feet 3 inches tall, he is an excellent defender and strong 3-point shooter with catch-and-shoot ability. He will give the Hawks what they need, but size is an issue. He's a very good defender, but his size is an issue. But he reminds me of Derrick White, and I think he's the kind of player who can do it if he reaches his limits.
6. Ron Holland – 6'8, 200 lbs., Forward – G League
Holland is also a player that I rate higher than other players. He has a chance to be a good defender with his size and athleticism, and he can also get to the rim. He still has some work to do to become a better spot-up shooter, but Holland is one of the top prospects in this draft. If Atlanta remains in 10th place after the lottery, I think there is a possibility that Holland will pick him.
7. Stephon Castle – 6'6, 190 LBS, Guard – UConn
Castle also has a chance to be in the top three, but he's a player who will fall in the draft. Opinions are mixed on him, but I think Castle would be an interesting fit for the Hawks if they choose to acquire him. Castle is an excellent defender, but his offensive ability is inconsistent, especially when it comes to shooting. There was a time when he looked like a big pick in last year's college lottery, and there was a time when he was invisible. I'm interested in where he lands in June, but Atlanta should be interested in whether he's on the board when they draft.
8. Nikola Topic – 6'6, 201 LBS, Guard – Serbia
There were some mock drafts that had Topic drafted No. 1, but I rate him lower than other candidates and don't think he would be a good fit for Atlanta. He's a very good ball handler and can get to the rim and score in the paint, but he's an inconsistent shooter and not a great defender. If he drops below 10th, I think the Hawks should consider him in a best available player scenario, but in my opinion he wouldn't be a great fit for the team.
9. Cody Williams – 6'8, 195 lbs., Forward – Colorado
Williams is also a versatile forward who will bring great defensive and athletic ability to the Hawks. He's a great finisher at the rim, but wasn't a great 3-point shooter at the University of Colorado. He may be a bit of a project, but he's definitely someone the Hawks should consider acquiring.
10. Dalton Knecht – 6'6, 213 LBS, Guard – Tennessee
Knecht is one of the best scorers in this draft, if not the best, and can get buckets right away. Knecht has a lot of versatility as a scorer, whether it's shooting 3-pointers or getting to the basket, and I think he'll be a great sixth man in the NBA. However, his defense is his biggest challenge. Knecht could be used as a defender, and I think he would be a liability on that floor. There's a chance he'll be available if the Hawks pick No. 10, but there's always a chance someone will fall in love with his scoring ability and move him even higher.
11. Rob Dillingham – 6'1 173 LBS, Guard – Kentucky
Dillingham is an explosive offensive player, but I don't think he would be a great fit for the Hawks due to his size and defensive ability. A player of that size is always limited, and Dillingham isn't as good a passer or shooter as similarly sized Trae Young. It's hard to see the Hawks taking Dillingham, but they may decide he's their best player.
12. Tijan Saraoun – 6'9, 203 LBS, Forward – France
Saraun is one of the best prospects in this class and could end up being one of the best. He will already provide the Hawks with athleticism and versatility, but he has a long way to go before he can make a difference on the offensive side of the floor. He had a solid year this year shooting, but it was by far his best year offensively. Is this a sign of improvement or a fluke? If Atlanta ends up picking No. 10 or higher, he'll likely play.
13. Kyle Filipowski, 7'0, 240 LBS, Center – Duke
Filipovski is a popular mock draft pick for the Hawks, giving them a center that can stretch the floor, but he has shown improvement on the defensive side of the floor this year. He's not as good at the rim as Fisher or a paint scorer for a player his size, but he can turn the ball over more than he wants. If the Hawks stay at No. 10, he'll likely be there and be a surefire pick.
14. Yves Misi – 7'0, 235 lbs., Center – Baylor
One of my favorite players in the draft, Missi is a very good defender and rebounder as well as a lob threat on offense. His offensive play is limited, he's not a great passer and he's a bad free throw shooter, but I think he provides 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 he can't get to the rim, lacks offensive versatility, and is a liability on the defensive end of the floor. He offers great upside as a shooter, but I don't like his fit in Atlanta.
16. Devin Carter – 6'3 195 LBS Guard – Providence
In terms of fit, I think Carter is a better fit for the Hawks than McCain. Carter is a very good defender offensively and is a player the Hawks desperately need, but his game doesn't have a lot of offensive versatility. But his shooting numbers have been solid, and even if he were drafted by the Hawks, that wouldn't be the main job asked of him. Carter is a dark horse pick for Atlanta.
17. Tristan Da Silva – 6'9, 220 LBS, Forward, – Colorado
Another versatile Colorado forward? surely.
He's not as athletic as Cody Williams, but he's a better three-point shooter and passer. Although he is a solid defender, his lack of advanced athleticism could limit his limitations on the defensive side of the floor.
18. Keluel Ware – 7'0, 210 LBS, Center – Indiana
Another big, athletic center the Hawks should consider acquiring. Ware is a very good shot blocker, a lob threat in the pick-and-roll, and has the ability to stretch the floor. However, he was very inconsistent at Indiana and wasn't a great passer. Other areas he struggles with are quick decisions when catching the basketball and being able to turn the ball over. However, he has high expectations and will almost certainly play if Atlanta picks No. 10 or higher.
