The Atlanta Hawks have picks 13 and 22 in the 2025 NBA Draft. With their starting lineup likely to return, the Hawks have a great opportunity to address the depth issues that plagued them in a disappointing play-in exit. Atlanta has question marks on the bench in the backcourt, frontcourt, and on the wing. It can plug those holes with rookies from this draft class, many of whom might contribute early in their careers.
The Search for a Backup Point Guard Continues
Ever since Trae Young arrived in Atlanta, the Hawks have struggled to produce quality, efficient looks when he goes to the bench. The latest experiment behind the four-time All-Star has been Kobe Bufkin, the 15th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. However, he has only appeared in 27 NBA games due to various injuries, including season-ending shoulder surgery this season.
Bufkin likely gets the first shot behind Young next season, but Atlanta could take a rookie or sign a veteran point guard for some healthy competition. Multiple mock drafts connected the Hawks to Egor Demin out of Brigham Young University with the 13th pick. He was on the Big 12 All-Freshman squad this season, demonstrating his top-of-the-class playmaking. Demin averaged 10.6 points and 5.5 assists at BYU, leading his squad to a Sweet 16 appearance. At 6 feet 9 inches, he offers a lot of positional defensive versatility on the perimeter. His scoring and burst off the dribble need to improve at the next level, but at just 19 years of age, Demin has the tools to orchestrate Atlanta Head Coach Quin Snyder’s offense in the future.
At 22, Atlanta could go another direction with Walter Clayton Jr. He burst onto the scene at the University of Florida, leading the school to an NCAA championship. The 22-year-old guard averaged 18.3 points and shot an Impressive 38.6% from deep on 7.8 attempts per game. In contrast to Demin, Clayton is more of a microwave scorer than an offensive setup man. His combination of lethal shooting and quick first step put defenses in trouble. He is an older rookie, but his experience might help a Hawks team looking to move into playoff contention.
“3 and D” Wings Never Hurt
Atlanta has a vacancy on the bench due to Caris LeVert’s impending free agency this summer. He provided much-needed ball handling and paint pressure as a sixth man after the trade deadline. LeVert’s skill set is certainly valuable for a Hawks team that lacks playmakers and shot creators outside of Young. According to Lauren Williams of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, re-signing LeVert is a “top priority.” However, the Detroit Pistons and Brooklyn Nets also expressed interest in the veteran wing.
The Brooklyn Nets and Detroit Pistons are expected to show interest in Caris LeVert, per @AmicoHoops
“The Hawks would like to keep free agent wing Caris LeVert but they’re well aware that he will be drawing outside interest. Two of those teams are believed to be the Pistons and… pic.twitter.com/S3w78exTJh
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 31, 2025
If the bidding war gets too high, the Hawks could fill the gap at the draft with a rookie wing for the future.
Carter Bryant could be an option for Atlanta at 13. He played one season at the University of Arizona, averaging 6.5 points, 0.9 steals, and one block, while shooting 37.1% from three-point range. His stats do not stand out, but many teams in the top 10 are interested due to his combination of upside and a safe floor. Bryant projects to be an impactful two-way wing who can cover guards and wings with no problem. His shot creation and ball handling must improve, but his defensive versatility and three-point marksmanship at 19 years old are appealing.
Hawks Must Address the Backup Center Position This Summer
Onyeka Okongwu is the only proven center on Atlanta’s roster leading up to the draft. Larry Nance Jr. and Clint Capela are headed for free agency, and Mouhamed Gueye only played two weeks at the backup five toward the end of this campaign. Whether it is through free agency, the trade market, or the draft, the Hawks must fill the hole behind Okongwu.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Atlanta has an interest in moving up in the draft.
Notes, notes and more notes: https://t.co/Z71xpXizBq https://t.co/ryxo7OxUfW
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) June 12, 2025
Khaman Maluach fits the Hawks’ needs like a glove in a potential trade-up scenario. The former Duke University center put up 8.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 21.2 minutes per game. He is only 18 years old and displayed high upside with his rim protection and finishing prowess. Maluach defended the paint at an elite level and even showed his ability to play in more than just drop coverage defense. He has a soft touch around the rim and great hands to catch tough passes on the move. Atlanta has to like Malauch’s fit with Young in the pick-and-roll, as the 7-foot-2-center would have no issues finding easy looks. However, he did not post strong rebounding numbers. Look for Maluach to focus on improving on the boards early in his career.
If the Hawks stay at pick 22, Maxime Raynaud is another option. He played four years at Stanford University, averaging 20.2 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. He also shot 34.7% from beyond the arc on 5.5 attempts per game. The 7-foot center displayed a rare ability to put the ball on the floor and create his own shot. Raynaud’s high offensive ceiling and experience make him an intriguing prospect. However, questions arise defensively as a weakside shot blocker and physical, low-post defender. He and Okongwu, who improved his three-point shot, could share the floor against taller lineups because of their shooting ability.
All signs point to Atlanta wanting to compete in the playoffs next season. The Hawks could address some important questions in the draft before the 2025-26 season arrives.
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