Many Hawks fans have their hearts set on drafting the newly-crowned NCAA Champion Aday Mara with the eighth-overall pick, but is this really the best decision considering the amount of quality bigs expected to be available later in the first-round?
Passing on guards like Mikel Brown Jr., Darius Acuff Jr., or Kingston Flemings with their first selection could be a travesty for Atlanta later down the line. While the Hawks are known for their weak rim protection, a new problem emerged after trading Trae Young last season.
Their half-court shot creation went from being top-notch to one of the worst, so it's divine timing to have one of these three guards join next season. While Hawks fans are celebrating the likely arrival of a new point guard, they should also look forward to a new frontcourt addition.
As it stands right now, the consensus names near the bottom of the first round are Tarris Reed Jr., Jayden Quaintance, and Chris Cenac Jr. Diving into all three prospects reveals some interesting and worrisome characteristics.
Tarris Reed Jr. - Uconn Huskies
Beginning with the runner-up for the 2026 NCAA Title, Reed Jr averaged 14.7 points and 9.0 rebounds on 60.7% field goal percentage. The 22-year-old led his team in both categories while helping fellow senior Alex Karaban lead the Huskies to a 34-6 record.
Throughout the season, he showcased defensive versatility, agility, and supreme physicality for someone still taking college courses. Standing at 6’11" and weighing a whopping 265 pounds, Hawks fans would love his physical gifts from day one. His 7’4" wingspan would reduce the Hawks' weak interior defense, but just like every other prospect, he has his weaknesses.
He must improve his outside shot, especially if he wants to play in the nightly rotation. It’s hard to survive in the modern NBA with no jumpshot, even as a center. If Kyle Korver takes him under his wing, there’s no reason why Reed Jr. couldn't adapt to Atlanta’s brand of basketball.
Chris Cenac Jr. - Houston Cougars
The Hawks could draft Houston's Kingston Flemings with the eighth pick, and also reunite him with teammate Chris Cenac Jr. The pair formed an interesting pick and pop fade that worked wonders throughout the year, and the 6’11" center has a very intriguing game.
Even though he weighs 240 pounds, he moves relatively well - just like Reed Jr. - but Chris has way higher offensive upside than his classmate.
Fans might not be impressed with his averages of 9.5 points and 7.9 rebounds. However, his jumpshot could make an immediate impact in Atlanta. He shot 33.3% from beyond the arc, and he showcased a very healthy shot diet, which will fit like a glove in Snyder’s five-out offense.
If he had stayed all four years, Cenac would’ve turned into a walking 15-and-ten with stellar shooting, producing the recipe for a top-ten pick in 2030. Onsi Saleh can get his hands on him at the young age of 19-years old, and by 22, he should be a consistent stretch big in Atlanta’s rotation.
On the contrary to his valuable strengths, his main weakness is rim protection. He didn’t hold down the interior like Head Coach Kelvin Sampson became accustomed to with his bigs in the past.
During the ‘23 and ‘24 seasons, the Cougars ranked second or better in adjusted defensive efficiency. This season, they finished just seventh. It’s the biggest red flag surrounding Cenac Jr.’s game, but his offensive upside is too good to pass on.
Jayden Quaintance - Kentucky Wildcats
Jayden Quaintance was slated to be the best defender amongst centers in college basketball this year, but injuries derailed what would’ve been a great sophomore season for the Ohio native.
He only averaged 5.0 points and 5.0 rebounds in the four games he played this year. Even though he didn’t get to showcase his talent this year, scouts were thrilled by what they witnessed during the 2024-25 NCAA season.
He averaged 2.6 blocks per game, mainly due to his instincts combined with a 9’1" standing reach. Quaintance also sports a monstrous 7’5" wingspan. Both of these characteristics would benefit the Hawks mightily in year one.
Quaintance has mastered the powers of his 255-pound body, and he’s improving his offense as well. Alongside a stellar defensive campaign, he averaged 9.4 points while shooting 52.4% from the field in his freshman year.
If he’s healthy, it’s only natural that he’ll become a world-class defender at the professional level. At his ceiling, he could earn All-Defensive team honors, but the biggest question is whether he will stay healthy long enough to see his full potential.
With developments on both sides of the ball, it’s apparent that his biggest weakness is his durability. Nonetheless, front offices will ignore the caution tape surrounding Quaintance. The Atlanta Hawks fall under this umbrella since they have Onyeka Okongwu, so why not take a chance on Jayden's upside?
Add us as a preferred source on Google