Editor’s note: This story was updated Wednesday to reflect the Hawks’ proposed three-team deal to acquire Kristaps Porzingis and trade the No. 22 pick.
The Hawks are in position to add to their roster when the NBA draft commences Wednesday. The team had two picks in the first round before Tuesday’s agreed-upon trade to acquire Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics, which will send out the No. 22 pick to the Brooklyn Nets.
The Hawks likely will take the approach of selecting the best available player rather than by position, according to new general manager Onsi Saleh.
NBA draft analysts have rated this draft class highly for years because of the number of athletic players with high basketball IQs. Analysts have projected that many of the players have a high ceiling and lots of potential to develop into key rotational pieces for franchises who draft them.
So, while the Hawks’ pick in the draft falls late among the lottery picks, they still expect to get a good player who can become a long-term contributor. Saleh said Monday that the team felt comfortable picking at Nos 13.
Anything can happen on draft night, and the Hawks could trade up or down, depending on the assets that they could get back. But if the Hawks stand pat, they still have options that they can add to help build out the roster.
In The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s mock draft, Brigham Young guard Egor Demin was projected to go to the Hawks with the 13th overall pick. Demin has become a polarizing prospect because scouts remain uncertain about the 19-year-old’s ability to shoot.
The native of Moscow made 27% of his 3-points shots for the Cougars last season — the NBA average for 3-point percentage last season was 36% — and was more effective setting up his teammates for plays. His 6-foot-8 frame allows him to see over defenders, so he should be able to find teammates down low for quick looks at the basket.
The Hawks need more playmakers, and Demin averaged a BYU team-high 5.5 assists per game as a freshman. He does have room to develop a jumper from working with the team’s coaching staff, as well as Hawks assistant general manager Kyle Korver often taking an interest in helping to improve players’ shooting form.
But the Hawks could see another prospect fall in the draft to 13, like Kasparas Jakucionis or Tre Johnson, who could go out and get the Hawks buckets.
About the Author
Keep Reading
The Latest
Featured
