The Atlanta Hawks drafted two international players last year, and they have another opportunity to add a piece after winning the 13th overall pick in the NBA Draft Lottery. Most of the top foreign talent played in the NCAA collegiate season, but others went to different countries to test their skills. As we approach the draft in two weeks, multiple players have fluctuated, but Hawks GM Onsi Saleh is guaranteed a complementary piece with any of these four players.
1.) Joan Beringer - 6’11 Center From KK Cedevita Olimpija
With Clint Capela entering free agency, the Hawks will need to add youth to their frontcourt now that 24-year-old Onyeka Okongwu became the starting center last season. ESPN’s Jonathan Givony predicted on June 10 that the Hawks would select French center Joan Beringer from KK Cedevita Olimpija of the Slovenian First League and ABA. The 18-year-old possesses great length, with a 7'4 "wingspan and a 9'3" standing reach.
Beringer weighs around 240 pounds and will do significant damage when he fills into his frame as an adult. He showcased his athleticism while playing 17 games in the Eurocup, averaging 9.4 points and 11.4 rebounds per 36 minutes. His defensive potential took center stage, blocking 2.4 shots per game and altering shots with his immense wingspan.
Drafting him gives Trae Young another lob threat and the Hawks a much-needed 7-footer. His footwork is also a massive part of his game, allowing him to cut backdoor and drop to protect the rim. Beringer has the best chance to make an immediate impact due to the Hawks' defensive struggles.
Head Coach Quin Snyder will likely implement him into the rotation immediately, seeing how he treated Zaccharie Risacher and Dominick Barlow.
2.) Nolan Traore - 6’4 Point Guard From Saint-Quentin Basket-Ball
Kobe Bufkin has suffered numerous injuries ever since the 2023 NBA draft, and the former Michigan Wolverine has shown no sign of improving. After two full NBA seasons, Bufkin has only played 27 games with career averages of 5.1 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. The 21-year-old showcased exceptional talent in college, but basketball is a brutal profession, especially in the NBA.
Inactive players are considered useless regardless of their potential, and Young needs a reliable backup point guard. Nolan Traore would be a fantastic addition to the Hawks' backcourt, and at 19, he has so much room to grow. After playing 30 games in the League National De Basket, he averaged 11.6 points and 5.1 assists while playing a moderate 22 minutes per game. Traore is undoubtedly the best playmaker out of France in the entire draft, and his jumpshot has improved yearly while playing in Europe.
Traore shot 39.2% from three, and he has a very polished step-back for his age. His offensive versatility would be a fantastic addition, and his athleticism shines on the fast break. Atlanta has adapted a quicker pace of play over the last few seasons, and his ability to push the tempo coincides perfectly with the Hawks. Standing at 6'5, He'd be an excellent piece for the future as the Hawks have added more size to their backcourt with Dyson Daniels and Terance Mann.
3.) Noa Essengue - 6’10 Power Forward From Ratiopharm Ulm
Noa Essengue is a very intriguing prospect because of his ability to stuff the stat sheet with his impact. His mobility allows him to cover ground quickly on both sides of the ball. He can dribble in the open court and utilize his ball handling to get to the rim, where he is a great finisher.
He also possesses defensive versatility that is rare for his age, with the ability to defend the perimeter and the interior. The Frenchman stands at 6’10 with a 7’0 wingspan, which is remarkable because he is still growing at 18 years old. His measurements are similar to a traditional big man, but scouts consider Essengue to be more of a wing.
International prospects are known for their unconventional play style, and Essengue is considered a ‘unicorn’ by some who have seen him. He can fit in multiple systems, whether a five-out lineup or traditional plays, due to his shooting and defense. If he’s selected with the 13th overall pick, he can make an immediate impact in Atlanta.
The Hawks must add to their frontcourt, specifically the power forward position, so Jalen Johnson can have a reliable backup, especially given his injury history. Even though Essengue is young, he’s played against grown men since the age of 15, which will accelerate the rate of his development in the NBA.
4.) Ben Saraf- 6’6 Combo Guard From Ratiopharm Ulm
Israel has produced NBA-caliber talent over the last decade, including Omri Casspi, Gal Mekel, and most notably, Deni Avdija. The 23-year-old Israeli has put the nation on the radar of NBA fans after rising to an All-Star level in Portland with the Trailblazers. The 2025 NBA draft features more talent from the Middle East, and Ben Saraf is one of the best prospects in West Asia.
The combo guard has risen to fame due to his versatility at both positions, making him an excellent fit for multiple NBA teams who will need more scoring or playmaking. For the Hawks, adding both of his strengths would be a massive improvement for the Hawks' backcourt.
His crafty play style, accompanied by his height at 6’6, gives him the advantage over most opponents. At point guard, he can adopt a pass-first play style when needed, and use his size to abuse matchups in isolations when attacking the rim. Like most international prospects, he excels as a left-handed finisher and possesses a polished tear-drop at 19 years old.
Saraf averaged 12.6 points and 4.6 assists after playing 16 games for Ulm in the EuroCup for the 2024-25 season. It was a relatively good performance for a 19-year-old starter, but his struggles from the field were apparent, shooting 22% from three. Even though he struggled from the field, he improved on defense this year, which was also considered a weakness of his.
Even though Saraf lacks lateral quickness, he has gotten better at reading the passing lanes. Playing alongside D.P.O.Y runner-up Dyson Daniels could help him master the art of deflections and steals. His potential on both sides of the ball makes him a real candidate for the 13th overall pick, and he could make an impact right away on a roster that needs a backup point guard for the future.