The Atlanta Hawks are an intriguing team ahead of the 2025 NBA Draft, which could see them come away with a pair of 6-foot-8 targets.
Atlanta does not own their first-round pick, which is still at risk of falling into the lottery.
The Hawks own the Los Angeles Lakers’ 20205 first-round pick, which should fall somewhere in the 20s. They could also have the Sacramento Kings’ first-rounders, so long as it lands anywhere from 13 through 30.
SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell projected the Hawks to use that Lakers pick – No. 23 overall in his scenario – on Illinois Illini guard Will Riley.
“Riley fits a familiar mold of the microwave scorer, only most of them aren’t 6’8 like he is. The Illinois guard ran hot-and-cold during his freshman year, but when he was on he provided instant offense with his perimeter scoring. Riley is more of a shot-maker than a pure shooter at this point,” O’Donnell wrote on March 27.
“He can fall in love with his jumper a bit at this stage, but his finishing numbers were still solid and should only get better as he gets stronger.”
O’Donnell notes the “real issue” for Riley is on the defensive end. Despite his length, he is far off from being playable in O’Donnell’s estimation. That could make him a better option if the Hawks pivot further into their youth movement this offseason.
Still, O’Donnell projects Rilely’s long-term potential as a scorer warrants post-lottery looks.
Hawks land rising prospect in Illini G Will Riley in mock draft
Riley averaged 12.6 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.2 assists for the Illini this season. Despite his perceived issues, ESPN’s Jeremy Woo has Riley’s “stock up” with three months until the draft.
“He has gathered steam behind the scenes as a player worth considering late in the lottery,” Woo wrote on March 25. “He struggles defensively because of a high center of gravity and lack of strength that can make him a target, but NBA evaluators see that his upside holds up well to most of the better wings in this draft class.”
The Hawks have struggled plenty with size, most often at point guard with Trae Young but, occasionally, also at center. They have done well to stock up on wings and forwards, though their injury woes this season have robbed them of the ability to take advantage.
But with Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher on hand, Riley is a luxury.
The same can be said for O’Donnell’s other projection for the Hawks at No. 14 overall, Arizona Wildcats forward Carter Bryant, another 6-foot-8 frontcourt player.
“Bryant is a very good athlete with an ideal frame for an NBA forward,” O’Donnell wrote. “Bryant’s offense is limited by his lack of ball handling ability and passing vision, but his strong defensive projection will keep him on the floor.”