Pre-Draft Outlook
The Hawks are coming off a solid year with a mostly young core which means they’re right on their timeline. Normally they’d be in the market for trading one of their first-round picks for veteran help, but the draft is deep enough that it makes sense to add more youth. The No. 8 pick was famously obtained from the Pelicans on last year’s draft day just to move down a few spots.
The Way to Go
The Hawks need size but the depth at guard in the top part of the draft might be too enticing to ignore. With the uncertainty about free agent CJ McCollum, the Hawks could opt to find his replacement. A good choice is Mikel Brown from Louisville, whose best talent might lie with his passing, which would ease that burden from Jalen Johnson. The Hawks also have an additional first-rounder and that’s where a big man could fall, such as Tarris Reed from Connecticut, who’s 6-foot-11 yet raw.
— Shaun Powell
Under Contract
G: Nickeil Alexander-Walker
G: Dyson Daniels
G: Buddy Hield
F: Jalen Johnson
F: Corey Kispert
F: Asa Newell
F: Zaccharie Risacher
F/C: Onyeka Okongwu
Free Agents
G: CJ McCollum
G: Gabe Vincent
G: Keaton Wallace
F: Jonathan Kuminga
C/F: Tony Bradley
C: Mouhamed Gueye
C: Jock Landale