The NBA draft is tonight. The Hawks own four picks: Nos. 3, 19, 30 and 34. The Hawks are involved in trade discussions with several teams so there’s a chance they won’t end up using all those picks. Here are the expert predictions for which players the Hawks will select if they stay put.
No. 3: Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
“The youngest top prospect has 3-and-D potential.”
No. 19. Jacob Evans, SG/SF, Cincinnati
“The Hawks would have liked Aaron Holiday here. They settle for a great defensive prospect on the wing with play-making ability.”
No. 30: De’Anthony Melton, PG/SG, USC
“Melton is a good defender, rebounder, slasher, and play-maker. He’s not a good shooter but the Hawks will work with him on that.”
Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated
No. 3 Luka Doncic, SG/SF, Real Madrid
“Doncic would be able to start for the Hawks immediately, and gives them another lead ball-handling option as Atlanta has soured on Dennis Schröder.”
No. 19: Zhaire Smith, SG, Texas Tech
“He could become a high-flying two-way contributor, or he could flame out quickly if his guard skills don’t develop.”
No. 30: Melvin Frazier, SG/SF, Tulane
“Frazier has big-time tools, a workable jumper and a nearly 7'2" wingspan—making him clearly appealing despite the fact that he’s raw for an upperclassman.”
No. 3: Luka Doncic
“Doncic is considered by many scouts to be the most pro-ready prospect in this class, due in good part to the fact he was outstanding for two-plus years playing in Europe.”
No. 19: Chandler Hutchinson, SF, Boise State
“Well-rounded wing who has among the best handles for any player 6-7 or taller in this draft.”
No. 30: Jacob Evans
“His ceiling is that of a spot role player, but Evans' defensive adeptness and his improved 3-point stroke are what make him first round-worthy.”
No. 3: Luka Doncic
“I’ve loved Doncic for the Hawks for a while. Why? Because he’s a versatile playmaker who thinks the game at an elite level. Doncic has all of the tools to morph into the cornerstone of a rebuilding Hawks franchise.”
No. 19: Khyri Thomas, SG, Creighton
“Thomas is another riser because he can shoot (41.1 percent on threes), defend multiple positions with his near 6-11 wingspan and has the physical attributes to become a viable NBA scorer off the bounce.”
No. 30: Melvin Frazier
“The 21-year-old wing needs to become a more consistent shooter and decision-maker, but he is the prototypical modern wing in that he guards three positions, excels in the open floor and ideally can spread the floor for guards.”
No. 3: Luka Doncic, Real Madrid
“The 19-year-old Slovenian has the most accomplished resume of any prospect in the draft. He’s a high-floor player with tremendous upside should he improve athletically.”
No. 19: Robert Williams, PF/C, Texas A&M
“In college, he wasn’t in position to spend much time rolling to the rim, but he’s bouncy off the floor and capable of finishing lobs at the basket. Defensively, his 7-4 wingspan makes him one of the better rim protectors in the class.”
No. 30: Melvin Frazier
“Frazier has the potential to be one of the most versatile defenders in the draft thanks to his lengthy wingspan. He would give Atlanta another young 3-and-D player on the roster.”
No. 3: Luka Doncic
No. 19: Zhaire Smith
No. 30: Jalen Brunson, PG, Villanova
No. 3: Luka Doncic
No. 19: Grayson Allen, SG, Duke
No. 30: Moritz Wagner, PF/C, Michigan
No. 3: Marvin Bagley III, PF/C, Duke
No. 19: Kevin Huerter, SF, Maryland
No. 30: Grayson Allen
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