Recently, we got a report from Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report that the Hawks were looking to move John Collins, and they’re eyeing Portland’s No. 7 overall pick in a trade.
Atlanta Hawks reportedly interested in Portland Trail Blazers' 7th overall pick as part of John Collins trade.https://t.co/aS1LLUBVyG
— Pat Benson (@Pat_Benson_Jr) June 10, 2022
This does make sense for both sides. The Blazers desperately need help around Damian Lillard, and this gives the Hawks need financial flexibility and assets to potentially move for a superstar. Regardless, I wanted to do another Mock Draft, so I’m going to play around with this scenario. If the Hawks do make the seventh pick, who would they acquire? If you want to check out other editions of my 2022 NBA Mock Drafts for the Hawks, they’re linked below:
Hawks Mock Draft 1.0 (Pre-Lottery)
Hawks Mock Draft 2.0 (Post-Lottery)
Round 1, Pick 7 (From Portland): F Keegan Murray — Iowa
This could have been one of four first-round picks, but the picks acquired in the Cam Reddish and Dennis Schroeder trades are protected in 2022, with Oklahoma City and Charlotte picking in the lottery. I’d do just about anything to pair Jaden Ivey with Trae Young, but there’s just no way he makes it to seven. With AJ Griffin and Dyson Daniels featured in previous Mock Drafts, I figured I would mix things up.
Even at 6’8”, Murray is a smooth shooter who draws comparisons to Michael Porter Jr. coming out of school. He has excellent length and can disrupt passing lanes on the perimeter, something the Hawks need badly. After shooting almost 40% from 3 in his sophomore season, I’m comfortable with Atlanta starting him almost immediately and continuing his development. He has positional flexibility and should be able to contribute right away. Hopefully, Atlanta is making this pick for another team after acquiring a star.
Round 1, Pick 16: F Tari Eason — LSU
I think Tari Eason and the Hawks are a fantastic team-prospect fit. Eason is a good athlete, a tenacious defender, and really improved as a shooter as a sophomore. I worry about his jump shot translating to the next level, but at 16, you’re getting a high-quality defender with plenty of upside. If he can hit threes consistently at the next level, he has the defensive chops to give the Hawks quality minutes from day one.
Round 2, Pick 44: F Peyton Watson — UCLA
This is still my Trevor Keels spot if he’s available, as I want to continue stacking up perimeter defenders. I already went with Johnny Juzang, so let’s go with a different wing from UCLA.
Watson is a work in progress, but the Hawks can afford to be patient with him as they did with Sharife Cooper. The sky is the limit for Watson, but frankly, he’s going to need some time in the G-League. With second-round picks, I either look for high-quality, older college players that are ready to contribute right now or guys who can develop into stars in a couple of years. Watson falls under the latter, but he will have to make some significant strides in College Park. I’m okay with that risk at 44.
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