Atlanta Hawks: Re-Drafting the 2018 NBA Draft

#3 Luka Doncic

This is as clear-cut as it gets.

Instead of opting for the best player available on the board, (again a lack of flexibility reigns supreme here) the team got far too cute, and traded the rights to likely rookie sensation Luka Doncic for Trae Young, who has seemingly been the Hawks “guy” since Quavo told them who to draft (only slightly joking).

Doncic, when combined with the three other players described in this article plus John Collins, Tyler Dorsey and Taurean Prince would’ve been an excellent core of young players with plenty of time to learn the game and develop chemistry together going forward.

Instead Dallas is the beneficiary of the Hawks’ largesse, and Rick Carlisle and Dirk Nowitzki will be able to tutor and mentor Doncic, as he grows into a likely superstar in the league.

Even if he doesn’t reach that lofty potential, his floor is likely to be one of the best in this draft class, so either way it’s a lose-lose for Atlanta, even if Young hits and the Mavs’ pick conveys as #6 overall or even #1 overall in 2022.

Again, taking Trae Young is understandable, but why take a boom-or-bust point guard when you have the chance to draft a generational prospect with the #3 overall pick? Only Schlenk knows.

Next: Atlanta Hawks 2018 NBA Draft Grades

The Hawks draft choices will be on full display at the Utah and Las Vegas Summer Leagues (except for Huerter, who will miss the festivities due to surgery recovery).