Final predictions and thoughts on what the Atlanta Hawks should do on draft night

Tonight, the Hawks have the No. 1 overall pick for the first time since 1975. It’s hard to understate exactly how much this decision affects both the Hawks and the NBA as a whole. The No. 1 overall pick is almost always a pivot point for franchises — it’s incredibly exciting to speculate on what Atlanta could do.

Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report dropped his latest mock draft and mocked the favorite, Zaccharie Risacher, to be selected by the Hawks at the top of the draft. In our own mock draft, we expressed the belief that the Hawks will select Donovan Clingan. Although there is a lot of momentum behind Risacher, there are still reports that the Hawks are undecided. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported last night that the Hawks are still undecided on the No. 1 overall pick.

As a fun exercise, what would we do if we were in Landry Field’s shoes? We’re not saying the team would definitely do this, but if the opportunity presented itself, this is how we would handle the first overall pick.

What Rohan would do:

My first preference would be to trade the pick. While I think Risacher would be a useful piece for the Hawks, I just don’t think you’re maximizing the value of the first overall pick by using it on him. This pick must have an upside down star and it’s hard for me to see that with Risacher. Unfortunately, the Hawks appear to have already ruled out that possibility. Wojnarowski reported yesterday that the Hawks had dropped trade offers for the No. 1 pick.

“This is an organization that, right now, seems to want to hold on to that No. 1 pick. They’re not committed to anyone to go down.”

The Spurs reportedly aren’t interested in giving up the No. 4 overall pick and the No. 8 pick or first-rounder to the Hawks in 2025. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony reported that they considered that package “too much rich”.

“I heard that numbers 4 and 8 are too rich in their opinion. What the Hawks really want is to get back the unprotected 2025 first round pick they gave up in the trade Murray…The 2025 draft is loaded and people are very excited about this group. The Spurs aren’t particularly interested in that (making the 2025 first round) either.

With no good trade options available, I think the Hawks should stick with it and pick Donovan Clingan. He’s the only top-five player (outside of Stephon Castle) that I consider a good fit on the Hawks’ roster with a star on the rise. Clingan’s defensive tools, passing, and ability to mesh seamlessly with Trae Young on offense make him hard to pass up.

However, I will say that falling out of the top five is not necessarily a bad option. For the right discount package, I think Stephon Castle, Ron Holland or Devin Carter would be a great fit for the Hawks. I’m particularly drawn to Holland and Castle. Holland is an exceptional athlete who gets into the paint with ease, moves incredibly fast and has true command. The G League Ignite forward’s shooting touch is a real concern, but he shot 74 percent from the free throw line. I think betting on him to develop a shot is a good bet and it’s a gamble Atlanta should consider taking.

Castle’s advantage is in his defense. He stands 6’6 with a 6’9 wingspan as a guard, which gives him excellent defensive tools that he uses to guard positions and contest shots at the rim. He also demonstrates passing vision, meaning he has the benefit of being a fantastic connection piece for any offensive or defensive infrastructure. His shooting needs work, but he is a good free throw shooter and needs touch on his layups/floaters.

What Jackson would do

First off, I think all signs point to the Hawks selecting Zaccharie Risacher with the No. 1 pick and that’s what I think will happen. That’s not what I would do, though.

While I think Risacher is a solid player, I don’t think he has much upside and he will never get past your 4th or 5th best player. He doesn’t have a trademark exceptional skill set, although his shooting numbers could continue to improve. He’s a good defender, but not elite. He hasn’t shown much upside when it comes to playing with the ball in his hands. All of this makes me hesitant to take him #1, even though it seems like that’s what’s going to happen.

I would take Alex Sarr here and hope things go well. Sarr has been the No. 1 player on my board throughout, although I don’t think he’s the type of star-level prospect some make him out to be. He has elite potential as a defender and shot blocker, with very good athleticism and I think he has a chance to be a top player in that area. His offense needs a lot of work, but there’s a chance he can develop a three-point shot and become more of an offensive threat.

I would also prefer Clingan to Risacher. While Clingan isn’t perfect, I think he has elite skill in his interior defense and shot-blocking ability that would serve the Hawks well.

If a transfer comes up, the Hawks should consider that as well. If they stay, I would just take Sarr or Clingan. I think Risacher will be the pick though.