Latest ESPN NBA Mock Draft Keeps Zaccharie Risacher as No. 1 Pick, Suggests Alex Sarr Still in Play for Atlanta

Welcome everyone to NBA Draft Week, especially Atlanta Hawks fans.

Since winning the NBA Draft Lottery in May, there has been a lot of speculation about exactly where the Atlanta Hawks are headed. Alex Sarr was the big favorite right after the lottery, then French forward Zaccharie Risacher took his turn as the favorite, then there was a lot of talk about UConn center Donovan Clingan with the top pick. The only thing that’s consistent is the idea that the Hawks didn’t understand what they were going to do. This is partly due to the fact that this has been a tough year for the NBA Draft in terms of talent and partly due to the Hawks team as it is currently constructed. Atlanta didn’t expect to win the draft lottery and with a talented team, that makes the situation more interesting than if the Wizards had won the lottery. Until the Hawks pick, perhaps no one knows what Atlanta will do.

However, over the past few weeks, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony has mocked Risacher to the Hawks and that hasn’t changed in his latest mock version released this morning. Givony had more on the Hawks, including that they may not know exactly what they’re doing yet, a trade scenario and the possibility that Alex Sarr is still the pick:

“The Hawks continue to signal that they have yet to determine the direction of their draft night, which makes sense given the nature of this draft, the quality of talent at the top and the trade opportunities that could show up once they are on the counter.

They simultaneously have decisions to make with players already on their roster, including Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, who seem destined to part ways in the not too distant future. The New Orleans Pelicans loom as a potential destination for one of them, with Brandon Ingram being the most attractive and accessible target on the Pels’ roster. Jalen Johnson appears to be the only player the Hawks won’t consider moving.

Risacher, as he has for much of the pre-draft cycle, continues to remain the No. 1 pick after a positive workout with Atlanta. Feedback from those who have seen him in the United States is that he is a better passer and does a better job of initiating contact and playing physical play than one would expect with his frame. thin.

Donovan Clingan, another favorite of the Hawks coaching staff, remains in play at No. 1, but he could be a more realistic option if the Hawks trade a few spots with the San Antonio Spurs, which might not happen. materialize before Spurs. are on the counter at number 4.

The Hawks getting their unprotected first rounder back from San Antonio in 2025 would be a huge bargain, but it’s unclear whether the Spurs would be willing to pay that high a price when other big trade opportunities don’t appear to be happening. be materialized in this way. far.

NBA teams say the Hawks are indicating they may take Alex Sarr first overall, which some say may be more of an attempt to force the Washington Wizards into a trade.

There has been a lot of speculation as to whether Sarr would prefer to play for Washington and the rumors seem to point in that direction. If the Hawks think Sarr is simply the best player that could help them, they should take him. Givony is correct that this could be a ploy to get the Wizards to trade, because it’s no secret that they like Sarr. Givony mentioned that they also brought Risacher in for a workout and that he could be their pick if the Hawks take Sarr.

The possibility of a move back is always discussed, but the Spurs have been the only team that has been consistently mentioned as a destination at No. 4.

Last week, prominent NBA insider Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports reported on what the teams behind Atlanta think the Hawks will do on Wednesday night:

“Atlanta will listen to No. 1, but the Hawks appear determined to hold on, sources said, while the front office finalizes which prospect to select at the top of a draft class full of question marks. At this point, most of the team’s personnel ” Players picking behind Atlanta believe the Hawks will ultimately choose between French wing Zaccharie Risacher and UConn center Donovan Clingan. “

Fischer also had this to say about the Hawks and Clint Capela:

“Atlanta, sources say, continues to make deals for veteran center Clint Capela, who is entering the final year of a contract that still owes the 30-year-old rim protector $22 million.”

I would still lean towards the Hawks selecting Risacher right now, but there is still a lot of uncertainty. The Hawks have just over 48 hours to make one of their most important decisions of the summer.