NEWS NOW;’ Hawks set to ‘Cast Wide Net’ Including Options With No. 1 Pick..
It’s time for the Atlanta Hawks to shine. That’s just how things go when you have the first overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft.
So Landry Fields, the head of basketball operations, and the rest of the front office went to work, investigating their alternatives and possibly considering deals. Perhaps they’ll just keep the selection, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray (despite reports), and fill in the gaps.
While there is no clear favorite to be the top overall pick this year, several prospects are in play. The list includes French forward Zaccharie Risacher, French center Alexandre Sarr, and maybe Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard.
“This draft is wide open; it reminds me a lot of 2013, where I don’t believe we’ll know who the No. 1 pick is until (NBA commissioner) Adam Silver steps to the podium and announces the pick,” draft insider Jonathan Givony of ESPN said from the Combine in Chicago.
“The Atlanta Hawks have a lengthy procedure ahead of them, which includes interviews, medicals, workouts, and background checks. I anticipate they’ll throw a wide net with players like Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Reed Sheppard, (Kentucky point guard) Rob Dillingham, and (UConn center) Donovan Clingan. Those individuals will be in the mix, and I believe it will be quite a challenge for them to decide who to take.”
“There’s a widespread belief among rival executives that the Hawks will break up their backcourt and part with either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray this offseason,” said Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. “In years past, there was strong resistance to moving Young, but rival executives believe Atlanta will be more open to that conversation this offseason than ever before.”
Report: Multiple All-Stars to have more trade interest than Trae Young.
In many respects, the NBA offseason is more fascinating than the regular season, and the Hawks will undoubtedly experience the same.
Quin Snyder’s team was extremely difficult to watch this season, but the offseason should make up for it. Not only does Atlanta have the first overall pick, but they are also widely expected to trade one of its All-Stars.
Trae Young, or Dejounte Murray? Both cases present good points. Building around Young because he is the superior player makes sense, but so does Murray since his counterpart would be more valuable on the trading market. However, if the Hawks do deal Trae Young, the value may not be as high as many supporters want.
“Where will Young fall? among the pecking order of available talent this offseason has been a predominant question league personnel are discussing throughout this combine week,” Jake Fischer of Yahoo! Sports said.
According to Fischer, other All-Stars such as Brandon Ingram and Donovan Mitchell would be more interested in a trade than Young.
“Donovan Mitchell, for starters, would rate far above Young on the league’s open market if Mitchell’s extension conversations don’t lead to a guaranteed future for the All-Star guard in Cleveland.”
Mitchell, a five-time All-Star, has helped the Cavaliers become one of the best teams in the East during the last two seasons. He averages more than 28 points per game in the playoffs and has scored at least 29 points in his past five games this season.