With the NBA Draft Lottery quickly approaching, it's important for Hawks fans and personnel to begin evaluating some of the high-level prospects that may end up in the red and yellow. This year's class is stacked, and wherever the team lands come-lottery night, they'll be in a quality spot.
If they jump into the top-four, or even stay put at seven, their approach will remain the same. General Manager Onsi Saleh has made his draft approach clear. He'll always select the best player available, regardless of position and long-term fit. This will have major lineup implications, as the Hawks have an already-established core with tremendous chemistry.
This draft presents a golden opportunity to select the best available
It's a top-heavy class, for sure, but it runs deeper than many may realize. Of course, the big three of Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa and Cameron Boozer dominates the headlines, but there's plenty of star-power beyond them.
Caleb Wilson, an Atlanta native, is projected as the fourth-best prospect in this year's cycle. If Saleh views him as the best available player, regardless of where in the top-four they land, he'll be taken. The same goes with Boozer. He's seen as the more awkward fit of the bunch, but the Hawks-Duke connection runs deep, and they wouldn't hesitate to take him if he's at the top of their board.
This BPA approach can be controversial, as it either results in the necessary step towards building a dynasty, or ends it before it even gets started. There's risk involved with ignoring fit, but the potential reward usually outweighs it. It's a calculated plan, but one that fans are often iffy about.
Now, if they stay put at seven, or even drop in the worst-case scenario, selecting the best remaining player becomes a lot more justifiable.
Onsi Saleh took the best player available in his first draft last year
That's right, last summer was Saleh's first as the Atlanta Hawks' lead decision-maker, and it was a brilliant one. They came away with one of the league's best draft hauls, and it was in large part due to the masterful work of their general manager.
Asa Newell was one of the top guys on their board. Originally slated to make their initial selection at Pick 13, Atlanta was in prime position to bring the hometown kid home. Instead, they received some intel that Newell could fall even further, so they began looking to trade back.
They traded back to the 23rd pick with the New Orleans Pelicans, picking up a premium asset for the next draft, while still landing one of their top targets. Incredible work.
If last year was any indicator, they'll operate with a similar mentality this time around. If any of the top four guys fall to Atlanta's pick, they won't think twice about selecting them. The Hawks have a rare amount of leverage, and expect them to utilize it in the best way they can.
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