The Atlanta Hawks are certainly in a favorable position following their decision to trade away Trae Young. But while the organization rightfully likes where they're at, perhaps their most valued asset isn't quite what many seem to think it is. The New Orleans Pelicans' first-round pick that Atlanta holds is great on paper, but where the pick lands will decide everything.
In order to think about this properly, we have to consider the Hawks' roster needs and where the Pelicans' selection will end up being. Yes, New Orleans currently holds the worst record in the association, but how often has the team in that position actually gotten the top pick in recent years? It hasn't happened for a while. Top odds at the number one selection has typically meant falling in the draft order.
With that in mind, it becomes increasingly likely that the player Atlanta wants may not actually be available when it's their turn to make their pick. If they end up with, say, the third pick and AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson are off the board, the Hawks would have a lot of pressure to select Cam Boozer.
The front office would then be left with quite a difficult decision. Would they want to ignore some obvious structural issues that would come with the pairing of Boozer and Jalen Johnson? Or would they want to settle for a lesser talent, that would inevitably be forever compared to Boozer if drafted ahead of him? At the end of the day, this is ultimately a good problem to have, but it is certainly a real issue this team could encounter.
The Hawks must use the Pelicans' pick properly
And it's why Atlanta can’t treat that Pelicans' pick as some guaranteed franchise-altering solution. Draft night scenarios rarely go exactly how teams think, and this front office knows that better than most. The value of the pick is real, but the certainty behind what it will become isn’t.
This is where the Hawks’ patience is going to be tested. They’ve already shown a willingness to make a difficult call by moving on from Trae. The next step is going to be making sure they don’t compound that boldness with a rushed draft decision that doesn’t actually fit the roster they’re building.
Jalen Johnson has earned the right to be viewed as a long-term pillar, and Atlanta needs to be careful about creating overlap that limits his growth. Talent matters but fit is supreme, especially for a team trying to redefine its identity.
No matter how this shakes out, the Hawks are in a strong position. They just need to remember that keeping their vision on draft night is going to be paramount. This pick represents a big opportunity, but nothing close to a guarantee.