The 2026 NBA Draft is finally here.
The Atlanta Hawks, as it currently stands, hold two first round picks: #8 and #23. There are many ways they could approach this pivotal night, and if they do indeed keep both selections, they'll have a large number of impressive young prospects to choose from.
Let's start with their top-ten selection.
The Reaches - #8
#8 - Hannes Steinbach, F/C, Washington
Steinbach's role at the next level, whether that be at forward or center, will depend on the team he's drafted by. For the Hawks, he'd likely be thrown into early nightly minutes at center. Taking him this early would be viewed as a bit of a reach, but there's no denying the talent and production he displayed in his freshman season at Washington. His impressive rebounding and outside shot fills a need.
#7 - Darius Acuff Jr., G, Arkansas
Acuff Jr. is maybe the most controversial prospect in this year's draft cycle. Undeniably-incredible offensively, there are just too many defensive concerns to have him any higher; on the Hawks' board, at least. The efficiency at which he scores the ball at each level with is shocking.
The Realistic Candidates - #8
#6 - Yaxel Lendeborg, F, Michigan
Most would view Lendeborg as a bit of a reach at eight, but Atlanta taking him would be completely understandable, especially if they follow it up by letting Jonathan Kuminga walk in free agency. He's arguably the most NBA-ready prospect in the draft, and would almost certainly have a high impact from day one.
#5 - Brayden Burries, G, Arizona
Burries emerged as a realistic candidate to be selected by Atlanta at eight just recently. With quality positional size and elite defensive traits, Burries could be one of the league's most effective rookies in year one. He plays with real pace and would easily fit into what the Hawks are building.
#4 - Kingston Flemings, G, Houston
Probably the most mocked player to the Hawks ahead of the draft, Flemings was once viewed as a top-five prospect in his class. Regardless of his underwhelming measurements, he remains one of the best drivers and mid-range shooters among the round-one guards. There's real boom or bust potential here, and Atlanta can afford a gamble.
#3 - Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Of course, the 7'3" center with impressive quick-read ability is an intriguing Hawks target. If they stay put at eight, they'll likely be choosing between him and Flemings. Either would be great, but Mara would fill more of a need. If that three-ball is real, too, look out.
The Dream - #8
#2 - Keaton Wagler, G, Illinois
Coming off of a freshman season that saw him unexpectedly rise into the top of the league's draft rankings, Wagler still has plenty of questions surrounding his transition to the next level. Players who are effective at their own unique pace, though, provide teams with scary nightly advantages.
#1 - Mikel Brown Jr., G, Louisville
Brown Jr. is everything the Hawks need at point guard long-term. There's reasonable doubt that he'll fall to eight, but if he does, Atlanta should run to the podium. His eye-opening volume from deep combined with stellar playmaking and positional size make him the perfect answer they've been waiting for.
While most of the focus is, of course, on their first anticipated selection, they have a real opportunity to land a steal with the 23rd-overall pick. This is expected to be a deep class.
Everyone is Realistic - #23
#6 - Koa Peat, F, Arizona
Peat is coming off of a mostly underwhelming freshman season at Arizona, but was overshadowed by a deep, star-filled roster. His offensive effectiveness left much to be desired, but there's still plenty of untapped potential on that end and proven defensive ability. He could thrive in a pace-focused environment and have adequate time to develop properly.
#5 - Isaiah Evans, G, Duke
The Hawks and their Duke connection make the idea of landing Evans at 23 very realistic. Teams mostly know what they're getting with him: a shooter. He's got quality size, as well, and would fit in nicely in Atlanta. This would also likely result in the departure of Corey Kispert.
#4 - Dailyn Swain, G/F, Texas
Swain has been heavily connected to the Hawks recently, but there's real concern he may not be available. If he is, though, there's a real possibility they take him. He's a positionless freak who carried a significant load at Texas last season. In the right environment, a lot of his offensive specialties would be able to come to light. Another ballhandler is never a bad thing - especially if they're a quality defender - and Swain is.
#3 - Jayden Quaintance, C, Kentucky
If Atlanta goes guard with their first selection, the idea of landing Quaintance at 23 almost feels too good to be true. His stock has fallen due to limited availability, but at his fullest potential, he could end up being the best defender in his class. Atlanta needs a reliable rim-protector.
#2 - Bennett Stirtz, G, Iowa
It would be shocking to see Stirtz available this late in the first-round, but nonetheless, his fit in Atlanta is simple. He's an experienced point guard with tremendous feel, and he'll almost certainly translate quickly.
#1 - Ebuka Okorie, G, Stanford
The way Okorie's able to score at his size is almost unbelievable. He's got one of the most well-rounded offensive games of anyone in his class, and the Hawks shouldn't hesitate to bring him in. Atlanta would certainly no longer be lacking a shot-creator with this acquisition.
The Atlanta Hawks are expected to keep all of their options open until they're on the clock. No matter who they land on, it'll be difficult to be too upset, as this could go down as one of the most impressive draft classes in recent memory.
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