With the 2026 NBA Draft just over the horizon, Tennessee Volunteers forward Nate Ament is experiencing a late surge up big boards. Per a recent report, he's not expected to fall any lower than No. 10 overall. That certainly gives the Atlanta Hawks at No. 8 something to think about.
Ament isn't necessarily a player they need to lock in as their pick if he's available, but he's a fascinating talent who could act as a replacement for Zaccharie Risacher.
Ament is an alluring prospect who combines size, three-level scoring proficiency, and defensive potential in a way that few can outright ignore. There are concerns over how ready he is to play in the NBA, but his upside has helped him rise up draft boards with the annual selection process nearing.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Ament is now a virtual lock to be a top 10 pick, with the Milwaukee Bucks at No. 10 being viewed as his floor.
"I've since been told that a Milwaukee contingent...traveled to New York recently to visit with Nate Ament during this pre-draft process. Now the Bucks are being looked at by some rival teams as the absolute floor for the Tennessee forward. Sources say Ament has drawn interest as high as the Clippers at No. 5, Brooklyn at No. 6 and ranks as a strong contender to emerge as Dallas' ultimate pick at No. 9."
With the Hawks at No. 8, it certainly sounds as though there will be competition for Ament in their range. It's not too late to join the commotion.
Nate Ament is viewed as a top 10 lock at NBA Draft
Ament, 19, is a fairly raw prospect. That could make him a difficult sell to Hawks fans who view Risacher in the same light. He'd make roughly half as much money per season, however, all the while providing similar value and upside on both ends of the court.
While Risacher made $12,569,040 as a rookie and will take home $13,826,040 in 2026-27, Ament will make $7,578,120 during his first season and will make no more than $10,603,444 at any point during his rookie-scale contract.
In addition to being more affordable, Ament also has riveting potential as a scorer. In 2025-26, he averaged 16.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.0 steal, and 1.3 three-point field goals made per game. He was inefficient with a clip of .399/.333/.790, however, which has caused skepticism.
In saying that, the film reveals how legitimate Ament's star potential is—and if Atlanta feels they can bring it out of him, they should at least give him consideration.
Ament can play above the rim, operate from midrange, and space the floor. His scoring arsenal is already that of a veteran NBA scorer from a move and instinct perspective, which suggests he can reach a special tier if he refines his skill set and adds muscle to his frame to permit more efficient play.
With the Hawks needing wing scoring to create balance alongside Jalen Johnson and sharpshooter Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Ament may very well be the answer to their void at forward.
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