I’m not sure how I feel about this pick. On one hand, I’m thrilled at least one of the top three teams recognizes the pure talent of Luka Doncic.
On the other hand, I’m still holding out hope another team who will be contenders will sweep in and offer to take Kent Bazemore‘s contract off Atlanta’s hands as part of a deal to get Doncic. This is because I’m dying to see the kid play with a team who’ll still be playing in the spring. Rumors also circled that the Hawks were keen on Trae Young, but apparently came to their senses. No disrespect to Young, I just feel Doncic is going to make an immediate impact and become a superstar in the NBA.
Still, the Hawks may have to be wary of Vlade and Vivek getting cajoled into giving up the second pick and setting up the Hawks for a quick panic on who they would then draft and whether they’d have time to trade down for Young.
Luka Doncic has moved to forefront of Atlanta's internal conversation on the third overall pick in Thursday's NBA Draft, league sources tell ESPN. Michigan State's Jaren Jackson and Duke's Marvin Bagley (if Kings pass on Bagley at No. 2) remain in contention for No. 3.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 20, 2018
Check out Noah Schulte’s excellent preview: Luka Doncic – Human Rorschach Test
Team needs:
While the Hawks don’t have many core pieces the one player which is likely untouchable is John Collins (although I’d bet on Taurean Prince being equally safe). Therefore it is likely the Hawks will be anxious to find Collins frontcourt partner.
Additionally, the choices the Hawks make in terms of whether to move Dennis Schroder and/or Kent Bazemore will also dictate whether they’ll require a starting point guard and more assistance on the wings. Since the team plans on a complete re-build anticipate the Hawks aggressively shopping their perceived older assets and looking for young prospects who can grow within the new culture.
Free Agents:
- Tyler Cavanaugh (UFA)
- Dewayne Dedmon (UFA – player option)
- Malcolm Delaney (RFA)
- Damion Lee (RFA)
- Mike Muscala (UFA – player option)
- Josh Magette (RFA – 2-way FA)
- Andrew White III (RFA – 2-way FA)
Picks in 2018 NBA Draft:
First Round: 3rd, 19th, and 30th
Second Round: 34th