ESPN calls these four players potential picks for the Hawks in the 2024 NBA Draft

In just a few days, the Atlanta Hawks and every other NBA team in the draft lottery will find out where they’ll be picking in this year’s NBA Draft. After a frustrating and disappointing season, the Hawks lost to the Chicago Bulls in the NBA Play-in tournament and their pre-draft lottery position is 10th. Atlanta can pick as low as 12th and as high as No. 1. They have a 13.9% chance of making the top four and a 3% chance of getting the top pick. This is going to be an important draft lottery for the franchise, even if it’s not considered a super strong draft at the top.

I’ve already given my thoughts on who I think the Hawks should take if they move into the top four, as well as releasing my big board for the upcoming draft, but ESPN’s Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo explained who each team should take in the next draft. top four and here’s who they said for Atlanta:

1. Alex Sarr

2. Donovan Clingán

3. Zacharie Risacher

4. Stephon Castle

If Atlanta stays at 10th, they called Castle the most likely pick for Atlanta.

Here’s what they had to say about the Hawks’ upcoming lottery draft chances:

“After missing the playoffs and enduring a difficult season, this is an important summer for the Hawks, who are ready to make major changes to the roster. The Trae Young-Dejounte Murray combination did not work out as expected , and this is the last of its own draft picks that Atlanta controls for the next three years. There should be an element of NBA preparation to consider here, but also a weight put on the upside, being. given that there may not be a chance for the Hawks to pick in the lottery for a while.

Sarr would be the biggest shot to take at the top, as the Hawks have been mediocre defensively this season, and they are continually tasked with building an adequate defense around Young, whose lack of size creates an obstacle on that end. With Clint Capela turning 30 in May, selecting a center of the future could be the way to go at the top, with Clingan representing a similar opportunity to shore up the front line.

The search for two-way perimeter players also makes sense, with Risacher an option and Castle looking like an intriguing choice, particularly if he falls here at #10. Castle’s ability to guard all over the court and initiate as a secondary ball handler would make for a pretty solid fit alongside Young, potentially freeing up Castle as a shooter while also providing more size and switchability on the perimeter.

While there are some questions about Castle’s upside, he could be an ideal complementary player who would fill several needs on the Hawks’ roster, particularly if they decide to move on from Murray. Castle could be on the board even if Atlanta doesn’t advance and is a viable target if they do. — Woo

If Atlanta lands the #1 pick, I think Sarr would be the easy pick for them, as he is the highest prospect in this draft in my opinion. Although his offense needs some work, especially when it comes to shooting, Sarr might have the most upside in this class and fills a need for the Hawks. He could develop into an athletic wing and playmaker with strong potential on defense, which is something Atlanta really needs.

Clingan would be a big boost to the defense, while still having a lot to work on on the offensive side of the court. He might even be a dark horse to get number 1.

Castle could go anywhere in the top four up to around 10. It seems like there are a lot of mixed opinions on his draft stock, but he would be a good pick in Atlanta, especially if he can better shoot once he gets to the NBA.

Two players that weren’t mentioned and should have been in my opinion were Ron Holland and Matas Buzelis, two forwards who would fill huge needs in Atlanta.

This draft could hold some surprises due to the lack of elite talent at the top. We’ll know for sure where Atlanta and everyone else picks this Sunday.