The Atlanta Hawks are on a seven-game winning streak and are trying to make the playoffs with just over a month remaining in the season. This is a unique situation for the Hawks, as they are able to compete this season, while also having a chance to acquire the top pick in this year’s NBA Draft after acquiring the rights to the New Orleans Pelicans’ pick.
If the Pelicans don’t have a great record, the lottery odds could be in the Hawks’ favor, and they could add a top prospect to a team that already has a bright future.
In the latest ESPN mock draft, their pick landing at No. 6, and they have the Hawks selecting Illinois point guard Keaton Wagler.
Jeremy Wu wrote, “Wagler’s unexpected rise from off-the-radar recruit to Big Ten Freshman of the Year has given him a chance to be the second guard off the board.” “His size at his position – 6-foot-6 – 3-point shooting (41%) and impeccable playmaking puts him ahead of the curve developmentally.
“Gaining strength to navigate the paint better and becoming a better defender are also long-term keys. He is the least dynamic athlete at guard in this group, but the blueprint is in place for him to become an NBA backcourt fixture.”
The Hawks are moving on from a dynamic point guard in Trae Young this season, they need to find a way to add to that position this offseason, and Wagler could be a start. The big thing for Wagler is that he is 6’6 inches tall and can shoot the three ball in a row.
The Hawks are already a team that shoots the ball a lot, and his defensive ability could help him fit in immediately. While he may not be the hottest guard in the draft, he has everything the Hawks need in a guard.
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