The NBA was left with an abrupt, shortened season and an extended offseason this year as we all know, which has left everyone with a lot of questions. A lot is still unknown on whether or not things will be able to run the same way they have in the past or not.
For example, the draft is approaching quickly, but it is still unknown whether or not things will still have to remain completely virtual or if a combine will be able to happen with everyone together. It is unknown whether or not the players will be brought in by teams to show off their skills and abilities like they usually would. A lot is still up in the air, which is why the Atlanta Hawks need to use this time wisely and really concentrate on the 2020 NBA Draft.
The 2020 NBA Draft Lottery is quickly approaching, which will determine which team gets first dibs on some of the top draft picks. The Atlanta Hawks were left out of the Orlando Bubble and received the second-to-last ranking in their conference for the 2019-2020 season. This gives them the fourth-best lottery odds and a 12.5% chance of winning the first overall draft pick. The worst-ranked pick the team is likely to receive would be the eighth overall pick, but it is more likely for them to fall within the first seven picks.
What’s to be decided next is who the Atlanta Hawks should concentrate on drafting as their top picks once the lottery has concluded. It is very likely that the Hawks will fall behind teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves for the rankings. This means that the Hawks may miss out on some of the top players looking to be chosen early on in the draft.
James Wiseman is a 7-foot-1, 240 pound center for the Memphis Tigers and is expected to be one of the top picks to go first in the draft. He has the full potential to protect the rim, get up and down the court quickly, and guard in-ball screens with ease. He has the ability to become one of the best centers in the NBA, which could greatly help the Atlanta Hawks. Unfortunately, they may not have the luxury of drafting Wiseman unless they fall within the top three ranking since he is predicted to be a top pick, but there is still a chance.
Another noteworthy player, Anthony Edwards, is a shooting guard for the Georgia Bulldogs that is said to be the best scorer you can get in this upcoming draft. He has the full potential to be one of the top scorers as well as the top defender on his team, which also means he will be one of the top players drafted. The Hawks would be lucky to receive such a well rounded player with such great future potential that could help lead them to a championship.
LaMelo Ball plays as a point guard for the Illawarra Hawks and is another likely candidate for top pick of the 2020 Draft. Pairing LaMelo next to Trae Young on the court could be explosive, especially since Trae received second in the league for assists in just his second year. This combination could work out well for the Atlanta Hawks, but it is also risky being that LaMelo is very young and still has a lot of growing and maturing to do before he achieves his full potential.
Deni Advija gives off great potential to be a top pick as well. The 6-foot-9 forward is best known for his shooting and playmaking as well as his ability to operate in pick-and-rolls, all of which will contribute to his future in the NBA. He has a lot to offer defensively with his height and adaptability as well. All around, Advija is another top draft pick that the Hawks should consider drafting.
Lastly, Obi Toppin, a power forward for the Dayton Flyers, is one of the most exciting players in the draft due to his impressive skill sets. He is able to drain a three-point shot as well as be a team player by passing the ball. He led his college basketball team to a 29-2 record and swept the floor in awards, earning top honors. Once he improves his abilities on defense and rebounding he will really sweep the floor in the NBA as well. Having two exciting players, Trae and Obi, play next to each other on the court could really get the fans engaged in the next season.
With the right pick, The Atlanta Hawks could be out of the lottery next year, which they so desperately need. The 2020 NBA Draft may look and feel different this year, but there is still star potential to be drafted. Travis Schlenk, Atlanta Hawks president of basketball operations, has made it clear that the team will be drafting the player with the best fit within the team and overall best player for them individually. Depending on what happens once they enter the second round, that is when the team may focus more on a specific need that they must fulfill instead. The Hawks have been doing their homework during this offseason by scouting out their players of interest. Hopefully it all pays off for them and they begin their journey to become champions.
