Hawks’ top 3 2024 NBA Draft targets in No. 10 lottery slot

The Atlanta Hawks’ turbulent 2023-24 season ended a month ago in the play-in tournament. Their 36-46 record and loss to the Chicago Bulls opened up a number of questions about their future. That includes the viability of a backcourt of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, which could be destroyed this summer. But before that, Atlanta will have to wait for the results of the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery.

The Hawks have the tenth-best chance at landing the No. 1 overall pick. They shouldn’t hold their breath at the thought of climbing the rankings. Atlanta has only a 3% chance of making that jump. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be good players available for the Hawks at No. 10 overall if that’s where they stay. They will have plenty of options to add to a core that could benefit from an infusion of talent, especially in the frontcourt.

Cody Williams, Colorado

The Hawks lack depth and talent on the wing. They were hoping AJ Griffin could be a factor there when they were drafted 15th overall in the 2022 draft. However, he only played in 20 games last season and has just 1,573 minutes under his belt in two seasons. Saddiq Bey, set to become a restricted free agent, tore his ACL in March. De’Andre Hunter has struggled with injuries and hasn’t been very consistent throughout his career.

Jalen Johnson has broken out for the Hawks, but is more of a finisher than a creator. To avoid three guard lineups that compromise their defense, Atlanta could find a wing creator to pair with Johnson. Colorado’s Cody Williams fits that bill. The brother of Oklahoma City wing Jalen Williams showed three-pronged scoring potential in his lone season in Boulder.

Williams averaged just 16.8 points per 40 minutes in Colorado, but he did so through exceptional efficiency. He posted an effective completion percentage of 59.5% and a true shooting percentage of 62%. Williams also shot 41.5% from three and an outrageous 58.8% from two. There is no denying his ability to score. Williams is also a tough, versatile player, which will please the Hawks’ ears considering they finished last season with the fourth-worst defensive rating in the NBA.

Williams is not perfect. He had a negative assist-to-turnover ratio in his lone season in Boulder and also struggled with injuries. But there’s a lot to work on here. Atlanta should be very interested in Williams.

Ron Holland, G League Ignite

Ron Holland is another wing prospect the Hawks should want to draft if they get the chance. He was considered a potential number one pick before this season, but an inconsistent season with the G League Ignite has led to doubts he will go that high. Holland scored 18.5 points per game on solid efficiency (55.1% true shooting percentage). When he’s on it, it’s hard to stop him.

However, game creation was a problem for Holland. Like Williams, he finished with a negative assist ratio in the G League. But his status as a shooter could be even worse. He shot 23.9% from three and 68.2% from the free throw line, which torpedoed his effective field goal percentage.

Holland has the talent to be a top lottery pick, not a pick at the end. There are still aspects of his game that need to be smoothed out, but there is reason to be excited. He would be a great fit for Atlanta.

Kyle Filipowski, Duke

Jalen Johnson appears to be the Hawks’ power forward of the future. Onyeka Okongwu is their center going forward with Clint Capela entering the final year of his contract. But there isn’t much depth behind them, assuming Capela isn’t long for Atlanta. That could change with Duke’s Kyle Filipowski.

Filipowski can play alongside Johnson or Okongwu. He has plenty of perimeter skills, including shooting 34.8 percent from three this season and posting 2.8 assists per game to go with 2.1 turnovers. Filipowski can struggle with his physicality at times, but can also overpower smaller defenders inside.

Filipowski offers the best of both worlds for Atlanta. He brings depth to the frontcourt as well as additional skills on the perimeter. The Hawks would do well to consider him late in the lottery.