With the Atlanta Hawks potentially poised to make the 13th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, via the Sacramento Kings, let's take a closer look at three promising prospects who could be available for Atlanta to select.
Colorado State - G/F - Nique Clifford: 18.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.4 APG; .496/.377/.777
Nique Clifford’s explosive athleticism and high-level two-way potential make him an ideal fit for the Atlanta Hawks, especially as a win-now contributor. At 6'6", the 22-year-old wing offers the length and defensive versatility the Hawks need on the perimeter, particularly alongside a ball-dominant guard like Trae Young.
Clifford has shown impressive growth as a catch-and-shoot threat, though he still needs to develop his shot creation. He projects well at the NBA level and has the potential to evolve into a Derrick White-type role player—smart, unselfish, and consistently impactful on both ends of the floor.
His energy, defensive motor, and improving offensive toolkit position him as a strong, ready-to-contribute piece in Atlanta’s wing rotation.
Ratiopharm Ulm - F/C - Noa Essengue: 10.8 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 1.2 APG; .516/.270/.705
Noa Essengue’s combination of size, mobility, and defensive potential makes him a compelling long-term fit for the Atlanta Hawks. At 6'10", the 18-year-old forward/center offers rare versatility on both ends of the floor. His ability to run the floor, guard multiple positions, and stretch the defense aligns well with Atlanta’s fast-paced, switch-heavy system.
While Essengue still needs to add strength and become a more consistent rebounder, his smooth shooting mechanics and perimeter agility suggest significant developmental upside. With the Hawks seeking frontcourt depth for the future, Essengue is a high-upside swing worth taking. He shares several traits with Pascal Siakam but is already more advanced as a shooter than Siakam was at his age.
Arizona - F- Carter Bryant: 6.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 APG; .460/.371/.695
Carter Bryant is one of the most intriguing two-way prospects in this year’s draft. At 6'8", the 19-year-old Arizona freshman brings ideal length, athleticism, and defensive versatility for the NBA level. He excels as a shot blocker, disrupts passing lanes, and consistently stays in front of his man—traits that make him a perfect fit for Atlanta’s perimeter defense.
Offensively, Bryant has shown promise as a catch-and-shoot threat and can attack closeouts with explosive drives. His high motor and physical tools give him strong upside on both ends of the floor.
Drawing comparisons to OG Anunoby defensively and flashing offensive traits similar to Jayson Tatum, Bryant could develop into a high-impact, two-way piece in the Hawks’ wing rotation.