Although the Atlanta Hawks are struggling with a four-game losing streak, the front office must keep their eyes on the bigger picture. It was believed that the Hawks would improve vastly on the defensive end after trading Trae Young, but it’s evident that their weakness extended far beyond his small frame. The trade is done, and unlike a popular 80’s film, we can’t go back in time.
The front office must prove they made the right decision, and they can take a massive step in the right direction by drafting Cameron Boozer or Caleb Wilson this summer. Both of these young stars are in the midst of historic freshman seasons while playing for two elite programs.
Comparisons were inevitable, with the two teens playing the same position in the star-studded ACC Conference. We’ve yet to see them face off, but there’s enough of a sample size to analyze their strengths and weaknesses. Both can improve the Hawks offensively or defensively, so scouts should have these two on their radar.
The case for Cam Boozer
Cameron has certainly dominated the competition, averaging 23.2 points and 9.9 rebounds while leading the Duke Blue Devils to a 17-1 record. While watching him, his scoring ability is the first thing you will notice.
Whether he’s shooting three pointers or using his 215 lb frame in the post, his versatility is the main selling point. He is efficient at all three levels, and his shot selection stems from his basketball IQ. Being the son of a two-time All-Star, scouts expect nothing less.
His father's teachings allow him to see the game differently than his peers do, and at 18 years old, he’s nowhere near the final product. If Onsi Saleh selects him at the draft, Quin Snyder will finally be able to utilize Jalen on the wing, while a bigger body plays the power forward.
Johnson is six years older than Cameron, but Boozer has a 30-pound weight advantage over the budding All-Star. Many are skeptical about pairing the two in the same offense, but Jalen has taken a significant leap in his playmaking, so his selfless play will benefit Boozer.
If there’s any hesitation in drafting the freshman phenom, it’s because of his defensive concerns. There have been instances during the season where he’ll allow a bucket from an opponent or be slow to switch when needed to.
These will be the main things that Kyle Korver and the developmental team will work out from day one after the draft. He would now become a vital building block for the future, as the Jalen Johnson era has officially begun.
The case for Caleb Wilson
If the Hawks want to go another direction on draft night, it’s hard to go wrong with Caleb Wilson. The Atlanta native is the best prospect to come out of the city since Anthony Edwards, and he’s looked every part of an NBA star at the collegiate level.
He’s led the legendary UNC Tar Heels program to a 14-4 record with wins over the Kentucky Wildcats, Ohio State Buckeyes, and Kansas Jayhawks. Wilson shined in all three marquee matchups, and the world has marveled at his athleticism. Without a doubt, he’s the best athlete in the 2026 NBA Draft, and what he lacks in shooting, he makes up for it at the rim.
Directly comparing him to his Carolina counterpart (Boozer), he is the better defender and finisher. He’s able to finish through contact regardless of the opponent’s size, and his ability to defend multiple positions will make him a massive prize on draft night.
If Onsi Saleh selects Wilson, he’ll make an immediate impact with his rebounding, especially on offense. Caleb leads the entire ACC with 10.6 rebounds per game, and he will only average more as he builds more muscle at the professional level. The 19-year-old has already proven to be a freak of nature, but the front office will have to work harder to develop him.
While Cameron is NBA-ready with his frame, Wilson will take longer to reach an adequate weight to utilize his athleticism in the NBA. Standing at 6’10 and weighing 219 pounds, other big men will take advantage of his slim build in the first few seasons.
However, Wilson has the chance to become a dominant two-way force in his prime. He is the only player in the ACC ranked in the top 10 in scoring, rebounding, and blocks. The final product will be truly special, but are the front-office executives willing to risk letting Cameron Boozer slip through their fingers?
There really is no wrong answer after analyzing the two prospects. Both can pair well with Jalen Johnson, either as a lob threat or a floor spacer. It falls on Onsi Saleh to decide which direction he wants to take the franchise, and we’ll have the answer come June.