As the countdown to the 2026 NBA Draft enters its final hours, the Atlanta Hawks may already have their sights set on one particular outcome. While plenty can change between now and the No. 8 pick, Atlanta's ideal outcome appears increasingly obvious: hope that Keaton Wagler somehow remains available when they're on the clock.
The Hawks have been linked to Wagler throughout the pre-draft process, and if recent league chatter is accurate, Atlanta would likely sprint to the podium if given the opportunity.
Of course, draft night never unfolds exactly as expected. Less than 24 hours before the draft, the NBA landscape shifted dramatically when Giannis Antetokounmpo was traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Miami Heat. That blockbuster move served as a reminder that chaos can arrive at any moment, especially on one of the busiest nights on the league calendar.
While the Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick, many around the league believe the real intrigue begins later in the lottery. Atlanta's hopes may ultimately depend on what happens between picks five and seven. That's where the draft could take a turn that either benefits the Hawks or leaves them searching for another option.
The biggest Wagler obstacle could be Brooklyn
Wagler is widely viewed as a lock to be selected somewhere inside the top ten. The question is whether he can survive long enough to reach Atlanta at No. 8. Much of that uncertainty centers around the Brooklyn Nets, who own the No. 6 pick.
The expectation around the league is that Mikel Brown Jr. could be headed to the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5. If that happens, Brooklyn becomes the team Hawks fans will immediately begin monitoring.
Many evaluators still believe the Nets are a serious threat to select Wagler despite his canceled workout. However, there have also been growing whispers that Brooklyn has strong interest in Nate Ament. If those rumors prove accurate, Atlanta's dream scenario suddenly becomes much more realistic.
That would then leave the focus shifting to the Sacramento Kings at No. 7. Current expectations suggest Sacramento is heavily considering Darius Acuff Jr.. Should that happen, Wagler could unexpectedly slide right into Atlanta's lap.
The Hawks still have strong backup plans
Even if Wagler is selected before No. 8, the Hawks should still feel comfortable about their options. Two names that continue appearing in Atlanta discussions are Kingston Flemings and Aday Mara.
Flemings offers the downhill playmaking and offensive upside the Hawks have reportedly been searching for throughout the draft cycle. Mara, meanwhile, would address Atlanta's desire to add more size, rim protection, and frontcourt depth alongside Onyeka Okongwu.
The encouraging news for Hawks fans is that there has been little indication the organization feels pressured to move around the board. Recent reporting has consistently suggested Atlanta is comfortable staying at No. 8 and allowing the draft to come to them.
That doesn't mean surprises are impossible. The NBA has a habit of delivering blockbuster trades when they're least expected. Just ask Luka Doncic. Ultimately, tonight may come down to patience. The Hawks appear positioned to land a quality prospect regardless of what happens ahead of them.
But if Brooklyn and Sacramento cooperate, Atlanta could find itself staring at the exact player it has been hoping would somehow still be available. And if that happens, the Hawks' draft room could become a very happy place.
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