Atlanta Hawks 2024 NBA Draft Big Board 2.0: Post-Draft Lottery Edition

In an unexpected twist to start the NBA offseason (for teams not making the playoffs), the Atlanta Hawks have won the NBA Draft Lottery and will select the No. 1 overall pick. Atlanta had just a 3% chance of winning the lottery, but they will control the draft when it begins in six weeks.

Because they won the lottery and will pick 1st instead of 10th or later, their pick board has shrunk a bit. While this draft is weaker than some and there is always the possibility that they pick someone unexpected, I think there are only a handful of prospects that will be real possibilities for Atlanta at #1.

I posted a big board a few weeks ago, but it’s time to update it now that the Atlanta Hawks have moved up to No. 1 in the draft.

Note: I only included players that I think Atlanta would consider #1.

1. Alex Sarr- 7’1, 217 LBS Forward/Center, Perth Wildcats (France)-

Sarr was #1 on my board a few weeks ago and that hasn’t changed. I didn’t think the Hawks would be able to draft him, but they have a chance to do so now and help make him a franchise centerpiece in the future. Sarr checks most of the boxes the Hawks need. He is a great defensive talent and will help elevate Atlanta quickly on that side of the court. He is a quality shot blocker and someone who can change and guard different positions. His three-point shooting and rebounding are two areas that still need work, but he has shown upside on that side of the court and if the Hawks keep Trae Young, playing with a point guard like that will improve his game. Sarr should be the selection assuming Atlanta doesn’t trade the pick.

2. Donovan Clingan – 7’2, 280 LBS, Center – UConn

Clingan is a player likely to be considered by the Hawks and his defensive abilities are the main reason why. Clingan is a very good shot blocker and rebounder who would give the Hawks a huge boost on that end of the court. He also measured well at the combine.

He doesn’t have a big offensive arsenal at the moment, but it’s something he’s working on and could improve his game enough on that end. He doesn’t have Sarr’s ceiling and isn’t as athletic, but he offers a lot of what Atlanta needs.

3. Matas Buzelis – 6’11, 195 LBS, Forward-G-League – Ignite

Buzelis is the ultimate wild card for the Hawks with the No. 1 pick. I think it’s very unlikely, but there’s enough to his game to warrant consideration, although Atlanta could also try to trade him and take him. He’s had his ups and downs as a shooter and overall offensive player and also needs to put on weight to strengthen his frame. He is a good playmaker and creator on the wing, with the advantage of also being a solid defender, although I think his potential is limited on that side. Atlanta could use a playmaker and creator on the wing and Buzelis could become just that for them.

4. Ron Holland – 6’8, 200 LBS, forward – G-League – Ignite

No. 1 could be very high for Holland, but like Buzelis, the Hawks could try to come back in the draft and take him. Holland could end up being the best two-way player in this draft, although he is a high-risk prospect with a low floor. Atlanta needs his kind of athleticism, defensive skills and size in the lineup, but his lack of offensive play and shaky shooting might be too risky for the Hawks at the top. Yet Holland would also check a lot of boxes for Atlanta and he would test athletically.

5. Zaccharie Risacher – 6’8, 202 LBS, Forward – JL Bourg (LNB Pro A) France

Risacher has the widest range of players in this draft, which means I saw him projected closer to the top, but I also saw him toward the 7-10 range. He is a talented wing who would bring versatility and athleticism to the position and fill many of the Hawks’ needs. The question with him is on the offensive side, in particular his consistency. This is another high-risk proposition for the Hawks if they take him, but his upside and potential are clearly there.

I think the Hawks would only consider taking these players with the #1 pick. Could they go back and try to recruit someone else? Certainly, but I still think they would only want to move back for one of these five players. Guys like Rob Dillingham and Nikola Topic wouldn’t be a good fit for the team even if they end up trading Trae Young or Dejounte Murray and I don’t think they’ll seriously consider taking either of those players . Another dark horse pick if they decide to move back would include UConn guard Stephon Castle, although it would be pretty shocking to see him go No. 1.

Sarr is the favorite to be the No. 1 pick in Atlanta, but there’s still plenty of time for someone to make an impression on Atlanta’s decision-makers and change their minds.