NBA Draft 2024: All eyes on Atlanta Hawks who hold No. 1 pick

Excitement and anxiety are two words that come to mind when the Atlanta Hawks and NBA Draft are mentioned in the same sentence.

Some years, the Hawks have captured sleeper draft picks such as Josh Smith (17) in 2004; Jeff Teague (19) in 2009; John Collins (19) in 2017; and Jalen Johnson (20) in 2021. All players who overachieved after being drafted outside of the lottery. 

However, the Hawks also have a history of fumbling top draft picks. In 2005, the Hawks passed on future Basketball Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul to draft Marvin William who never lived up to the expectations of being the No. 2 pick. And in 2013, the Hawks were scooped by the Milwaukee Bucks who drafted future MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. At the time, the Hawks were the only NBA team who scouted Antetokounmpo. 

But the Hawks are hoping that their lottery fortunes change in 2024. 

In May, the Atlanta Hawks made history by winning the NBA Draft Lottery for the time since it began in 1985. Entering the draft lottery, the Hawks were expected to pick 10th and held a 3% chance of receiving the top overall pick. 

Luck was on the Hawks side as they were able to jump ahead of several teams that finished with worse records. 

It’s the first time the Atlanta Hawks selected No. 1 since 1975 when the team drafted David Thompson who never played with the team after choosing to sign with the American Basketball Association. 

Although the NBA Draft can allow a team to change its trajectory, this year’s draft does not feature a consensus No. 1 player. 

1. Draft Alexis Sarr: Although Sarr isn’t a generational talent like his fellow Frenchmen Victor Wembanyama, he’s the standout favorite in this year’s draft class. Standing at 7-foot-1 with a 7-foot-5 wingspan, Sarr has the skills of a forward while in the body of a center. While playing with the G League Ignite, Sarr averaged 21.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and six blocks. However, Sarr did not workout for the Hawks prior to the draft. 
2. Draft Zaccharie Risacher: Another Frenchmen, Risacher is a 6-10 forward who’s an elite three-point shooter. Although No. 1 could be a reach for Risacher, he would fit well in Quin Snyder’s offense where outside shooting is essential. 
3. Trade the Pick: Trading the pick could be the best option for the Hawks if the team feels it can reach the NBA Finals within the next three years. By trading the pick with other assets, the Hawks could possibly acquire a high-level talent such as Zion Williams, Brandon Ingram, or Donovan Mitchell.   

The 2024 NBA Draft, presented by State Farm, will mark the 78^th year of the event. New this year, the NBA Draft will expand to a two-night format. The first round will take place on Wednesday, June 26 at the Barclays Center, while the second round will take place at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios on Thursday, June 27.