It's been a while since the Atlanta Hawks wasn't the punchline of numerous NBA jokes. While the team is no stranger to NBA Draft Lottery appearances, this year is different. In order to keep its pick, the Hawks needed to land a selection in the top three of the draft. Otherwise, the pick would be deferred to the Phoenix Suns as part of the trade that sent guard Joe Johnson to Atlanta. Though the Hawks barely missed the Greg Oden, Kevin Durant sweepstakes, they must feel fortunate to have the pick at all. Of course, this does mean that the Suns will claim the Hawks' top pick in 2008, but having the third overall pick in such a deep draft is not a bad position to be in.
The major question for the Hawks is what to do with the pick. Their biggest needs are at center and point guard. Many believe they'll take a gamble on the young Mike Conley of Ohio State University. Conley's a bit short (6-1) and can't shoot a lick, but is lightning quick, clutch and is an exceptional ball distributor. Yet, the point guard position is the toughest NBA position to develop in and Conley's very young. Typically, rookie point guards who contribute the fastest are the ones who went to college for multiple years. The Hawks have indicated that they want to find a point guard who can start and contribute right away, and they have also expressed interest in adding veterans to their young roster.
Atlanta is rumored to be enamored with forward Al Horford and other mock drafts have them drafting forward Brandan Wright. Yet, drafting Horford or Wright would create an even bigger log jam at the power forward spot with Marvin Williams and Shelden Williams already on the roster. Drafting Wright would probably mean the Hawks would trade the pick, since Wright is not ready to be a main contributor right away. On the other hand, Horford may be the most NBA-ready player in the Draft not named Greg Oden or Kevin Durant. He's strong and physical, plays with his back to the basket, can pass on the block, can block shots and has developed a jumper.
The Hawks may look to draft a point guard with the 11th pick, acquired from the Indiana Pacers via the Al Harrington trade. The likely candidates at that spot are Georgia Tech's Javaris Crittenton and Texas A&M's Acie Law. Crittenton is about 6-4 or 6-5 and very athletic. He also shoots the ball effortlessly and has tremendous upside. Law doesn't have quite the same upside, but is more mature and probably more prepared to contribute right away. However, he is also more of a shoot-first/pass-second point guard.
If the Hawks make a trade, look for them to acquire a veteran point guard. Forward Josh Smith might also be dangled as trade bait, as he will be a free agent after next season. One thought is that the Hawks could package Smith with the 11th pick to try to lure, say, Mike Bibby from the Sacramento Kings.
Whatever the Hawks decide to do, they have the materials in place to do it. Expect significant movement from them this summer. They have a lot of talent, but some serious voids in some areas and serious logjams in others.
The Hawks' top selection last year hasn't gotten the respect he deserves. Forward Shelden Williams may not have been overly stellar, but he finished strong winning Rookie of the Month honors this past May and collecting several double-doubles in the season's final weeks. Forward Marvin Williams continues to improve, as do Josh Smith and Josh Childress. Moreover, Joe Johnson made the NBA All-Star team for the first time in his career. Keep an eye out for the Hawks. With the talent they have, they're bound to soar sooner or later.
