Who Should The Atlanta Hawks Select As Their 2024 No. 1 Overall Pick? (Full Breakdown And Final Decision)

Chance Of Hawks Selecting Alexandre Sarr as the No. 1 Overall Pick - 60.0%

Alexandre Sarr is currently playing for the Perth Wildcats in the National Basketball League (NBL) in Australia. Sarr, a versatile forward standing at 7 feet tall, has showcased a remarkable skill set that makes him a strong candidate for the top pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He has averaged 9.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, displaying his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor.

In mock drafts, Sarr is consistently ranked among the top prospects, often appearing within the top three. His defensive prowess, particularly his shot-blocking and rebounding capabilities, combined with his mobility and length, make him an intriguing fit for the Hawks. Atlanta, needing a solid young defensive anchor to complement their existing core of Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, could greatly benefit from Sarr's presence in the paint and trade Clint Capela for additional pieces after the Draft.

Sarr's potential is vast; he is praised for his ability to run the floor, defend multiple positions, and contribute offensively through putbacks and mid-range shooting. His fit in Atlanta is promising, as he can seamlessly integrate into their system and provide the defensive stability the team has been lacking. Expectations are high for Sarr to develop into a cornerstone player for the Hawks, should they choose to select him as their No. 1 pick.

Matas Buzelis

Chance Of Hawks Selecting Matas Buzelis as the No. 1 Overall Pick - 20.0%

Matas Buzelis is another top prospect in the 2024 NBA Draft, currently playing for the G League Ignite. Standing at 6'10", Buzelis is known for his versatility and skill set, making him a compelling option for the Hawks. This season, he has averaged 14.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 0.9 steals, and 2.0 blocks per game, demonstrating his ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories.

In mock drafts, Buzelis is frequently listed among the top five prospects, thanks to his combination of size, athleticism, and all-around game. His offensive versatility allows him to score efficiently from various spots on the floor, while his defensive instincts and shot-blocking ability add significant value on the other end. Buzelis’s potential to develop into a multifaceted player who can handle, shoot, and defend makes him an attractive option for any team looking to build around a young core.

For the Atlanta Hawks, Buzelis's fit is particularly intriguing. He can play both forward positions, providing flexibility in the lineup and allowing the team to utilize his skill set in various roles. His ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and facilitate the offense as a secondary playmaker aligns well with the Hawks’ needs, complementing their existing stars. If selected, Buzelis could be a key piece in helping Atlanta transition into a more dynamic and defensively capable team.

Overall, the expectations for Buzelis are high, with scouts projecting him to have a significant impact at the next level. His unique blend of size, skill, and versatility makes him a potential cornerstone for the Hawks as they aim to enhance their roster and return to playoff contention.

Zaccharie Risacher

Chance Of Hawks Selecting Zaccharie Risacher as the No. 1 Overall Pick - 10.0%

Zaccharie Risacher is a prominent French prospect currently playing for JL Bourg in the LNB Pro A league. Standing at 6'8", Risacher has made a name for himself with his sharpshooting and defensive capabilities. This season, he has averaged 10.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 35.2% on three-pointers per game, showcasing his ability to contribute on both ends of the floor.

In mock drafts, Risacher is typically positioned within the top ten prospects, praised for his fluidity and shooting accuracy. His performance in one of Europe’s top leagues has bolstered his draft stock, making him a viable candidate for the No. 1 pick. Risacher's shooting percentage, particularly from beyond the arc, is a key asset that could benefit any NBA team looking for a reliable floor spacer and perimeter threat.

For the Atlanta Hawks, Risacher's fit is particularly appealing due to his potential to enhance their wing positions. His shooting ability can help spread the floor, providing more space for the team’s primary playmakers. Additionally, his defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions, which could significantly improve Atlanta’s defensive schemes. Risacher’s skill set aligns well with the Hawks' need for a two-way player who can contribute immediately while also offering significant upside for future development.

Expectations for Risacher are high, with many scouts believing he has the potential to become a key contributor at the NBA level. His experience playing against high-level competition in Europe has prepared him well for the transition to the NBA, and his versatile game makes him a strong candidate for the Hawks' top-draft pick.

Nikola Topic

Chance Of Hawks Selecting Nikola Topic as the No. 1 Overall Pick - 6.0%

Nikola Topic, a Serbian guard, has been making waves with impressive performances. Currently playing for Crvena Zvezda after a standout stint with Mega Basket, Topic has showcased significant potential. This season with Crvena Zvezda, he has averaged 6.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 0.8 steals per game over six games. His performances at Mega Basket were even more notable, where he averaged 18.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 6.9 assists per game across 13 games, shooting 52.4% from the field and 28.8% from three-point range.

Recently, Topic suffered a knee injury during a game against Partizan, which will sideline him for approximately 4-6 weeks. This injury could impact his draft stock slightly, but his overall potential remains high. Known for his playmaking ability, scoring touch, and court vision, Topic has been compared to Goran Dragic due to his skill set and physical attributes.

For the Atlanta Hawks, Topic's ability to run an offense and his scoring prowess make him an intriguing option. His fit with the Hawks would provide them with a dynamic guard who can facilitate and score, adding depth and versatility to their backcourt. Topic’s defensive potential and competitive experience in Europe also prepare him well for the transition to the NBA.

Expectations are that, despite his injury, Topic can develop into a reliable playmaker and scorer at the next level, making him a valuable asset for any team, including the Hawks, if they decide to take a chance on him with their No. 1 pick, signaling a possible big trade of Trae Young or Dejounte Murray if he is eventually selected.

Rob Dillingham

Chance Of Hawks Selecting Rob Dillingham as the No. 1 Overall Pick - 4.0%

Rob Dillingham is a standout guard from the University of Kentucky, known for his scoring prowess and impressive shooting ability. This season, Dillingham has averaged 15.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 0.9 steals per game, with an outstanding 45.3% shooting from beyond the arc.

Dillingham has been a consistent performer in the NCAA, displaying elite shot creation and a smooth shooting stroke. His ability to score from all areas of the court makes him a potent offensive weapon. Despite his relatively small stature at 6'3", his quickness and agility allow him to navigate defenses effectively, making him a difficult matchup for opponents.

In mock drafts, Dillingham is often ranked within the top ten prospects, with many scouts impressed by his scoring efficiency and playmaking abilities. His shooting percentage from three-point range is particularly notable, making him one of the best shooters in this draft class. His ability to create his own shot and convert at a high rate is a valuable asset for any team in need of backcourt scoring.

For the Atlanta Hawks, Dillingham's fit would primarily be as a dynamic scorer and secondary playmaker. He could provide a spark off the bench initially or even start alongside Trae Young, giving the Hawks another lethal shooter who can space the floor. His defensive shortcomings due to his size may be a concern, but his offensive upside could outweigh those issues, especially in a team that needs to bolster its scoring options.

Expectations for Dillingham are high, with many believing he has the potential to be a top scorer at the NBA level. His shooting ability and offensive versatility make him an attractive prospect, and while he may not be the most likely pick for the Hawks at No. 1, he remains a strong candidate due to his unique skill set and potential impact.

Final Decision

In conclusion, the Atlanta Hawks should strongly consider selecting Alexandre Sarr as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Sarr's versatility, defensive prowess, and potential for offensive growth make him an ideal fit for the Hawks. Pairing Sarr with Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu creates a dynamic and balanced lineup that could compete at a high level. This quintet offers a blend of scoring, playmaking, and defensive capabilities, providing the Hawks with a strong core moving forward.

Additionally, selecting Sarr allows the Hawks the flexibility to move Clint Capela and acquire more assets to further strengthen their roster. Capela’s value on the trade market could bring in valuable pieces to support the team's playoff ambitions. Sarr's presence as a versatile forward who can defend multiple positions and contribute offensively enhances Atlanta's potential, making him the most logical and beneficial choice for their top pick