The Atlanta Hawks hold the No. 8 and No. 23 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft. Unsurprisingly, most of the coverage has been focused on their lottery selection. However, Atlanta could still make a sneaky good selection at the back end of the first round. One freshman guard already looks to be in the Hawks' sights come June 23 - Ebuka Okorie.
Hawks take a closer look at Ebuka Okorie in pre-draft workout
According to Bleacher Report's NBA insider Jonathan Wasserman, Atlanta brought in Okorie for a pre-draft workout. The projected first-round guard still has meetings with the Chicago Bulls and Dallas Mavericks, meaning the Hawks are not the only franchise taking a closer look at the former Stanford University standout.
Usual routine is to go back through film April/May. Okorie is the guy I’ve moved up more than anyone else. Already worked out for Hawks, Bulls+ Dallas coming up.
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) May 30, 2026
Okorie played one NCAA season at Stanford, and he certainly made the most of his opportunity. The 19-year-old averaged 23.2 points, 3.6 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in 35.1 minutes per game. Head coach Kyle Smith entrusted Okorie with a high-usage role of 31.0%, and the freshman responded with flying colors.
Okorie led the ACC in scoring and did a lot of damage in the paint. He routinely beat his matchup off the dribble with a lightning-quick first step and fluid handle. His consistent downhill penetration led to many trips to the free-throw line, where he averaged 7.3 attempts at 83.2% efficiency. That number beats Jalen Johnson's team-leading 5.3 free throws per game this season.
Okorie is not afraid to let it fly from beyond the arc. He shot 5.7 three-pointers per contest at a 35.4% clip. While his efficiency does not pop off the page, his willingness and confidence from deep bodes well for his future. If he becomes a deadeye shooter off the dribble, even the best NBA defenders might have trouble taking away his perimeter shooting and keeping him out of the paint.
Questions arise when discussing Okorie's measurements. He stands 6-foot-1 without shoes, though he uses his 6-foot-7 wingspan to create steals on the ball and in the passing lanes.
Stanford's Ebuka Okorie measured 6'1.25 barefoot and 186 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine, with a 6'7.75 wingspan and 8'2 standing reach. pic.twitter.com/rtus1DHaHJ
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) May 11, 2026
Bigger NBA guards could take advantage of his smaller stature, so he will need to get stronger against NBA competition.
Okorie can help the Hawks next season and beyond
The New York Knicks exposed Atlanta's lackluster half-court offense in their first-round playoff series. Okorie's paint penetration would instantly give the Hawks a boost in this area. Despite his smaller stature, he can finish above the rim through contact. Atlanta did not have this high-flying, ball-handling slasher last season outside of Johnson.
If CJ McCollum leaves in free agency this summer, the Hawks will desperately need another ball handler. Okorie can match Atlanta's high-paced offense and fit into its offensive system. Head coach Quin Snyder wants his team to take shots beyond the arc and at the rim. Okorie's blend of speed and willingness to take threes is a great fit.
According to Babcock Hoops' scouting report, Okorie "shows real playmaking flashes," but he can improve his ability to operate as a lead guard. He would have a great opportunity to develop his game with the College Park Skyhawks. The Skyhawks featured Asa Newell in this way last season. This would give Okorie the experience he needs to be more than just a scorer at the NBA level.
The Hawks can take an upside swing at Okorie late in the first round. Even if he develops into a microwave scorer off the bench, Atlanta's interest in him will be validated.
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