The latest 2023 NBA mock drafts from ESPN, Yahoo Sports, The Athletic, NBA Draft Room, and Bleacher report all have Kentucky point guard Cason Wallace mocked to the Atlanta Hawks at 15.
Wallace is 6’2 195 lbs. and averaged 11.7 points per game, 4.3 assists per game, and 3.7 rebounds per game in one season with the Wildcats. Cason is being called the best on ball defender in this draft in basically every scouting report written about him, and most scouting reports also highlight his off ball movement and catch and shoot ability as well.
Earlier today, The Morning Shift gave their thoughts on the guard who is being compared to Jrue Holiday, and discussed if they would like to see him in a Hawks uniform or not.
Mike Johnson understands exactly why the Hawks would be interested in a prospect like Wallace as he would bring everything the Hawks need to the table. “You also need shooters in Quin Snyder’s offense, people that can move off the ball, people that can catch and shoot, and also people that can defend.”
Dejounte Murray is only under contract for next season, and if the Hawks are unable to re-sign Murray or even decide to trade the all-star guard at some point, Cason’s game is one that would complement the game of a ball dominant guard such a Trae Young’s quite nicely.
There’s a reason so many mock drafts have Wallace mocked to the Hawks. Even if the Hawks decide to keep Dejounte long term, Cason has the potential to be the type of player that every team needs and wants in today’s NBA, a savvy defensive guard who can guard the opposing team’s best guard, jump in passing lanes, and knock down three’s at a high clip.
It’s always hard to predict how a draft will play out, especially if you’re trying to predict the 15th overall pick, but don’t be surprised if Cason Wallace is an Atlanta Hawk by the end of the night.