It was just a few weeks ago that we were all focused on mock drafts for the Atlanta Falcons, but with the NFL Draft in the books, it’s time to turn our attention to the 2022 NBA Draft and potential selections for the Atlanta Hawks, who hold the 16th pick in first round of June’s draft.
The Hawks are entering a critical offseason where we can expect to see somewhat of a roster overhaul following a first-round exit in the 2022 postseason. While free agency and trades are expected to be major part of the plan, the draft can also play an integral role in adding talent around Trae Young—that is if they choose to hang on to the pick as opposed to including it in a trade package.
With a need for a second scorer and help on the defensive end of the floor, who should the Hawks target in the upcoming draft? Mock drafts from industry experts offer a variety of answers, but the most common name appears to be LSU’s Tari Eason.
“Eason would give the Hawks defensive toughness and scoring versatility from both forward spots. The upside will kick in with the 6'8", 216-pounder if he's able to pair his face-up game and activity inside with a more reliable three-point shot.” Bleacher Report: Jonathon Wasserman
“I like Eason for Atlanta because of how he’d complement Trae Young. On defense, he’s a grinder who brings contagious energy and positional versatility. The Hawks have made an effort to find guys like that, from Cam Reddish to De’Andre Hunter. Eason fits that same profile, but offensively he’s a little different because he can also handle the ball and make plays. By no means is he a primary ball handler, but whether he’s initiating offensive sets on his own or setting a screen for Trae in the pick-and-roll, he can make plays off the bounce. Providing balance for Young on offense will be key in helping construct a championship team around their small point guard.” The Ringer: Kevin O’Connor
“This is another fit that makes almost too much sense for it actually to happen, but if the Hawks could wind up with Tari Eason, their fans should celebrate in the streets. Atlanta’s defense was abysmal last season, and they need to do whatever they can to surround Trae Young with elite defensive players. As a defensive playmaker, it’s hard to find someone who was this productive. Eason was hitting thresholds only accomplished by Mattise Thybulle (among players in high-major conferences in the past decade)." USA Today: Bryan Kalbroksy
Other than Eason, who has worked out for the Hawks, two other prominent outlets have Atlanta selecting players from blue chip programs.
ESPN’s Johnathon Givony mock sends Kentucky’s TyTy Washington Jr. to Atlanta, adding another scorer to the rotation.
The Hawks are one of the deeper teams in the NBA on paper and it may not be easy for any rookie to crack their rotation next season. Finding a guard who can both run the team when Trae Young is taking a breather, and also bring enough size and length to play alongside him when sliding up wing players Kevin Huerter and De'Andre Hunter to the frontcourt, could be attractive. Washington is effective with or without the ball, knows how to play pick-and-roll and is a strong perimeter shooter, while also being capable of playing in many different lineup configurations,” Givony writes.
Meanwhile, NBC’s Chase Hughes and Mike Deprisco could see the Hawks focusing more on the defensive end of the floor by selecting Duke’s Mark Williams.
The ACC defensive player of the year, Williams is a shot-blocking machine who averaged 2.8 blocks per game this past season and whose rim protection was a big reason for Duke's Final Four run. He's also a standout rim-runner and a good rebounder with the potential to be very good on the glass. The Hawks have a good group of big men, but need major help defensively, specifically with shot-blocking, and lack size. Williams would help with all of those things,” the pair explains.
With the draft as just a part of the process, expect the Hawks roster to look much different when the 2022-23 season begins. Don’t believe me? Just ask general manager Travis Schlnek, who implied that will be the case speaking with 92.9 The Game just a few weeks ago.
