Why the Atlanta Hawks may be targeting pick No. 7

Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Hawks Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Hawks are looking at possibly trading up in the 2022 NBA draft. They are looking at moving from pick No. 16 to a top-ten pick. Recently we discussed what a trade rumor with the Sacramento Kings involving John Collins says about where the Hawks are at, looking at the possibility of trading him for pick No.4 and some players.

The Hawks are looking to contend so they may be trying to guarantee their window stays open longer by taking a step back now. This means that if the lottery pick develops into the star that the franchise hopes they can draft then the Hawks will be in a better place to win a title down the track.

In order to do this they have to give up something and while most of the players on the squad are hard to replace the truth of the matter is that players move all the time. Still, the Hawks faithful are invested in this squad, especially after the Eastern Conference Finals appearance of 2021.

Why pick No. 7 would be desirable for the Atlanta Hawks.

As the Bleacher Report article by Rob Goldberg correctly states, the Hawks would like to select Dyson Daniels if he falls to them. This is a prospect that we here at Soaring Down South also explored recently how he would fit with what the Hawks are trying to establish as an identity with the exception of his 3-point shooting.

The Hawks need help on the defensive end, this was their main downfall last season. A big part of this was the inability to develop any chemistry on that end due to the inability to field a consistent rotation thanks to all their injuries.

Daniels is also a top-level defender, one of the best in this draft class and he would be able to take some of the heat off Young at that end. By going down this road the Hawks are hopefully going to take a step back before taking two forward. We will see if they can make the deal happen with the Portland Trail Blazers so that they can get pick No. 7.