The 2024 NBA Draft is in less than two weeks, and there is rampant speculation over what the Atlanta Hawks will do with the no. 1 overall pick.
Now, Hawks GM Landry Fields – while speaking to reporters – has revealed what the Hawks plan is at this point, per Brad Rowland of Locked on Hawks.
“Fields also said they are expecting to see more prospects this coming week. Also noted that the Hawks have brought guys into Atlanta and also traveled to see guys. Fields noted that, as of today, they are planning to pick at No. 1”
With this year's draft lacking a clear-cut, franchise-altering superstar, there had been speculation that the Hawks would look to trade out of the no. 1 spot in order to acquire assets and possibly lock themselves into a lower salary-slot further down the draft board. Multiple NBA GMs have stated that this year's draft is so weak that it's almost not worth it to have to play a player the going rate for top-3 pick.
Who will the Hawks take in the NBA Draft?
Although Zaccharie Risacher has been suggested as the player that will go no. 1 overall in this year's draft, Alex Sarr is the player the Hawks should be taking in this position.
Coupled with his versatility and defensive instincts in the frontcourt, Sarr possesses the athleticism and length needed in modern-day big men. He would likely find significant success in an offense run by Trae Young, whom the Hawks do not have much interest in trading away this offseason. Still, the Hawks are evaluating all of their options pertaining to this top pick and Risacher is still very much in play to be drafted first overall.
At this point, the Hawks are evaluating several scenarios at the top of the draft, including hearing inquiries from rival teams for their first overall selection. The San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers currently possess the assets that would be needed to make a swing for the Hawks' top pick. While Fields went on record on Monday saying that the plan right now is to use to the pick to draft a player, it's still possible that they would be willing to move down if the right offer was made to them.
For example, UConn's Donovan Clingan is a player the Hawks have done their research on in recent weeks, leading to the belief that the Hawks are open to the idea of moving down a few spots. As far as other moves the franchise could make, Atlanta is expected to make both Clint Capela and De'Andre Hunter available in trade discussions leading up to and past the NBA Draft.
The 2024 NBA Draft will be held June 26-27 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, NY.
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