NEWSLETTER
Atlanta Hawks 2024 NBA Mock Draft – The NBA is changing it up this year with a revamped draft format for the 2024 season. This year’s 78th annual draft will be spread over two nights, a first since the league standardized the draft to two rounds in the late 1980s. Previously held in a single-night spectacle, the draft will now take place on June 26th at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center for the first round, followed by the second round on June 27th at ESPN’s Seaport District Studios in Manhattan.
The second round will also see an extended time allotment between picks, with a shift from two minutes to four. Continuing a trend from the past two years, the draft will feature 58 picks instead of the usual 60 due to tampering penalties levied against the Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns.
The draft’s biggest story could unfold at the top, and it’s a story that could shape the Atlanta Hawks‘ future. Despite entering the lottery with only the 10th-best odds, the Hawks defied expectations and secured the coveted number one pick. This unexpected windfall throws a wrench into Atlanta’s future plans, particularly considering the uncertain status of their star guards, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. The decisions made in this draft could have a profound impact on the team’s trajectory.
The Atlanta Hawks’ season ended with a familiar thud – a first-round Play-In Tournament exit. This disappointing finish, following another year plagued by defensive woes and injuries, has cast a shadow over the franchise and created a sense of urgency for a significant offseason overhaul.
The biggest question facing the Hawks is whether they can address their multitude of problems – defense, staying healthy, and yes, defense again – in a single offseason. This is a challenge they’ve already grappled with for the past year, with limited success.
Atlanta Hawks 2024 NBA Mock Draft
Alex Sarr – Perth Wildcats
Position: PF/C
Size: 7’1″, 216 lbs
Age/Year: 19
Nationality: French
Pro Comparison (per The Ringer): Jaren Jackson Jr. & Jonathan Isaac
Will they use this opportunity to build around their dynamic guards or embark on a full-scale rebuild? As the draft process evolves, it’s becoming clear that the top prize of this year’s class is 19-year-old French prospect Alex Sarr.
Sarr is a long, lean, versatile prospect who comes into the league ready to compete defensively from Day 1. His skillset could complement either Young or Murray in a two-man game, and with Clint Capela entering the final year of his deal, he could come to Atlanta at the perfect time. Sarr would actually be returning to Atlanta after playing with Overtime Elite for two years prior to his year in Perth in the NBL.
At 6-foot-11 and 217 pounds, Sarr defies typical positional definitions. He possesses a rare combination of size, finesse, and explosiveness, acting as a skyscraper trapped in a center’s body. An athletic finisher with a knack for cutting to the basket, Sarr thrives on catching defenses off guard with his quickness. He’s also capable of creating space in the post with his strong frame and crafty footwork to open himself for close-range opportunities.
Beyond his finishing prowess, Sarr demonstrates surprising ball-handling skills for a big man. He’s at his best operating outside the paint, catching passes at the three-point line and attacking off the dribble. Comfortable driving to his right hand, Sarr flashes a knack for spinning into the lane and creating scoring opportunities. He’s also a skilled passer, capable of finding open teammates with impressive dimes off the bounce.
However, Sarr’s biggest weakness lies in his shooting. Despite attempting a substantial number of jumpers, his efficiency remains a major question mark. Shooting just 29.5% from three with Perth this year doesn’t inspire confidence, and his struggles extend to the free-throw line as well. Developing a consistent jump shot is crucial for Sarr’s long-term success in the NBA, where spacing and perimeter shooting are increasingly important.
The 2024 NBA Draft promises to be a night of intrigue, with teams presented with a unique blend of potential superstars and high-risk, high-reward prospects like Sarr. The decisions made over these two nights will define the future trajectory of multiple franchises, making this draft a must-watch event for basketball fans around the world.
2024 NBA draft order: First Round
1. Atlanta Hawks
2. Washington Wizards
3. Houston Rockets (via BKN)
4. San Antonio Spurs
5. Detroit Pistons
6. Charlotte Hornets
7. Portland Trail Blazers
8. San Antonio Spurs (via TOR)
9. Memphis Grizzlies
10. Utah Jazz
11. Chicago Bulls
12. Oklahoma City Thunder
13. Sacramento Kings
14. Portland Trail Blazers (via GS)
15. Miami Heat
16. Philadelphia 76ers
17. Los Angeles Lakers*
18. Orlando Magic
19. Toronto Raptors (via IND)
20. Cleveland Cavaliers
21. New Orleans Pelicans (via MIL)
22. Phoenix Suns
23. Milwaukee Bucks (via NO)
24. New York Knicks (via DAL)
25. New York Knicks
26. Washington Wizards (via LAC)
27. Minnesota Timberwolves
28. Denver Nuggets
29. Utah Jazz (via OKC)
30. Boston Celtics
*The New Orleans Pelicans have the option to take the Los Angeles Lakers pick at No. 17 overall or defer it to 2025. They have until June 1st to decide.
