The NBA Draft is a few weeks away, and the media has no idea as to who the Hawks are leaning toward with the No. 1 overall pick.
As of right now, the prospects that have been connected to Atlanta are Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, and Donovan Clingan. The three prospects offer the Hawks different skill sets, but Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report sees the first two as perfect fits for Atlanta.
Zaccharie Risacher, SG/SF, JL Bourg-en-Bresse
Best fit: Atlanta Hawks
The Frenchman’s appeal is clear. He’s a a 6’9″ three-and-D wing in what has become essentially a necessity for NBA teams in this era. Risacher could fill in next to Jalen Johnson and De’Andre Hunter as a big wing who spaces the floor and can take on the most difficult assignment defensively. The Hawks desperately need to surround Trae Young or Dejounte Murray with more length. Risacher wouldn’t be asked to do too much offensively initially, just play solid perimeter defense and knock down open shots.
Alex Sarr, PF/C, Perth Wildcats
Best fit: Atlanta Hawks
Drafting Sarr would effectively guarantee Clint Capela being traded. Similar to Risacher, Sarr will immediately be able to contribute defensively. However, much like his countryman, Sarr has flashed some but still needs to develop offensively. Whoever the Hawks draft will likely be limited offensively at first, but the offense hasn’t been the issue in recent years. Defensively, Atlanta has been putrid. Both players would immediately offer a boost in that area, and they’ll also benefit greatly from playing with elite facilitators like Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
The Hawks need a player offensively who can complement what they currently have in-house. Someone that isn’t going to kill ball movement and is able to contribute in a role that isn’t currently occupied. Depending on who goes and who stays this offseason, a case could be made for either Alex Sarr or Zaccharie Risacher.
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Glenn Gervot/Icon Sportswire
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