The Hawks got phenomenal value in the 2025 NBA Draft.
Not only was Atlanta able to trade back with New Orleans from pick 13 to pick 23 to acquire what could very well end up becoming a top pick in the 2026 draft, but they were able to capitalize on their newly acquired 23rd pick in the best way possible.
Onsi Saleh must have been utterly astonished when Newell - a prospect that was mocked as high as 9th overall - tumbled all the way down to the Hawks' open arms in the depths of the first round.
Asa Newell's performance last year for the Georgia Bulldogs was the primary reason the team managed to earn a 9 seed in the tournament. Averaging 15 and 7 on above-average efficiency was not the only bright spot for the young star. Newell's 75% efficiency at the charity stripe and willingness to shoot from deep (albeit at a less-than-stellar clip) indicate a promising future for rapid shooting development.
Having slotted into Georgia's scheme with ease, Asa Newell now faces a more daunting challenge this year in Atlanta - cracking the deep rotation slated for playoff contention.
Newell's keys to creating an immediate winning impact
It's no secret that the Hawks are short-handed in the frontcourt to start this coming season. While the headliners of Onyeka Okongwu and Kristaps Porzingis are certainly not bereft of talent, the issue lies in their availability.
Porzingis' injury history has been well-documented, so there's no real need to dive into it here - the notion that someone will inevitably need to slot into his spot in the rotation for 20-40 games this year is not ridiculous in the slightest; moreover, it's something Quin Snyder and his team simply must plan ahead for.
Okongwu has also faced myriad blights during his blossoming career, with an Achilles and a shoulder injury being at the top of the list. Given that Okongwu has only garnered the healthy tag in under 75% of his career opportunities to suit up, it's a very real possibility that both he and Porzingis will miss significant time together.
In this not-so-unusual scenario, Asa Newell could be the next man up in the frontcourt rotation. Having the likes of N'Faly Dante, Charles Bassey, and Mouhamed Gueye to compete with, the road to earning a starting spot in this reduced rotation seems very tangible.
Even without significant missed time by Okongwu and KP, the likelihood that Newell will be asked to step in and produce off the bench this year is extraordinarily likely.
Look for Newell to make the most of his opportunities this season - and if the Hawks' bigs continue to deal with the injury bug, don't be shocked if the rookie blows his expectations out of the water en route to earning All-Rookie merits.