The NBA Draft is just over two weeks away and for the first time in Atlanta Hawks history, they will have the first overall selection, assuming that they do not trade away the pick. And while the historic pick could be one that changes the direction of the franchise, there does not seem to be a clear-cut favorite as to who the Hawks are targeting.
On Tuesday, Steak Shapiro and Sandra Golden shared their thoughts on why they believe there not only seems to be less excitement surrounding the Hawks having the top pick, but that the hype that used to surround the draft in years past, seems to have fizzled. “It’s not really a ton of chatter,” Golden said in the conversation between the two Steakhouse hosts.
After the Hawks initially won the No. 1 overall pick, Alex Sarr of France was initially reported to be the best overall prospect. However, in recent weeks another Frenchman in Zaccharie Risacher has become the leading candidate. Some reports, still, have stated that UConn’s Donovan Clingan has been a favorite of the Hawks, adding to the speculation of the direction of Atlanta. Furthermore, who is the true No. 1 prospect?
“It’s going to be here before you know it and we’re barely getting into who should be No. 1,” Shapiro said, going on to explain that in previous draft history there was usually a prospect that was considered the overall consensus top pick. “And by the way, it’s not clear-cut, it’s not like Wembanyama."
There is also a familiarity issue.
“And if they walked in here right now, we wouldn’t know who they were, that’s the big problem," Golden said. "We don’t know the players that are going to be drafted."
