Hawks still can get 2018 first-round draft pick from Minnesota

The Hawks still could have three first-round picks in the 2018 draft.
The Timberwolves remained alive for a playoff berth after Monday’s results. If the Timberwolves beat the Nuggets at home on Wednesday, they would be assured of qualifying for the playoffs and thus send their 2018 first-round draft pick to the Hawks.
The Hawks (24-57) already will have their own lottery pick plus Houston’s first-round pick (No. 30 overall) that they acquired from the Rockets in a 2017 trade. After Monday’s results, the Hawks can finish no better than third in the draft lottery behind the Suns (20-61) and Grizzlies (22-59).
A weighted lottery is used to determine the top three selections in the draft, with the remaining teams picking in reverse order of record.
The Hawks acquired the lottery-protected pick from Minnesota in February 2015 in exchange for Adreian Payne. The Hawks selected Payne with the No. 15 overall pick in the 2014 draft out of Michigan State.


