The Hawks are on the clock with the No. 15 pick of the NBA Draft on Thursday. The pick is courtesy of the Nets after a first-round swap, up from No. 29, as part of the Joe Johnson trade in 2012.
The Hawks had the No. 15 pick last year and selected Adreian Payne out of Michigan State. The forward/center played three games for the Hawks before he was traded to the Timberwolves in February.
Here’s a look at five players the Hawks could take in the first round Thursday:
Stanley Johnson, Arizona
The 6-foot-6 small forward may not be around for the Hawks, as they rank him as a top-nine talent in the draft. If he falls, the Hawks could trade up several spots to nab him. They have two second-round picks this year and an extra second-round pick next year as assets. The Hawks may be in need of defensive wing with DeMarre Carroll entering free agency. Depth at the valuable spot in coach Mike Budenholzer’s system would be a plus if Carroll re-signs. The 19-year-old who was a freshman last season has upside and could develop into a two-way player.
Bobby Portis, Arkansas
The 6-11 power forward could be around for the Hawks and would fill a need as Paul Millsap, like Carroll, is a free agent. Should Millsap re-sign, Portis could add depth at the position. Portis has good size and length. While he is a good midrange shooter, he’ll need to work on his 3-point shooting to fit with the Hawks. A sophomore last season, Portis worked out for the Hawks and is considered by the team in the group of prospects that could be chosen between 10 and 20.
Kelly Oubre, Kansas
The 6-7 small forward is another wing player with upside who projects as a mid-first round pick. His wingspan (7-2) and athleticism make him a fit. He appears to have the defensive ability with length and quickness to fit the Hawks. He will have to adapt to a defense-first mentality but he can shoot. The sophomore is considered by the team in the group of prospects that could be chosen between 10 and 20.
Trey Lyles, Kentucky
The 6-10 power forward played in the shadows of Karl-Anthony Towns and Willie Cauley-Stein. The freshman has intriguing upside and could be worth a shot, but he’ll need time to develop. He has the versatility that would fit with the Hawks. He also is said to possess a high basketball IQ. He features a pick-and-pop game that will be an asset. He, like Portis and Oubre, is in the group the Hawks think will go between 10 and 20 overall.
Justin Anderson, Virginia
The 6-6 shooting guard/small forward could be a reach at No. 15. Most see him going in the late first round or early second round. However, he’s a player the Hawks may think is undervalued that late in the draft and worth a shot. The junior has a high basketball IQ, another positive on the Hawks’ checklist of player evaluation. He has the body, athletic ability and versatility to play both wing positions. His 3-point shot needs improvement.
