Sothron

It is a bad draft IMO because there's no clear cut #1 pick that has superstar potential. I love Reed Sheppard. Love that kid. If we moved Trae and did a true rebuild this is the exact kind of perfect scenario: we have the #1 pick, take Sarr, take Reed Sheppard to play PG and get the best wing defender at 8 or hell take Clingan if he's there and we can just go ham on folks with size in a rebuild scenario.

This is the most balanced scouting appraisal I've heard yet of Alex Sarr, both pros and cons. Worth a listen:

Trae for 4, 8, our picks back could be...well, I'll just say it: that would be the best way to rebuild. Sarr, Reed Sheppard and a wing player at 8. Trade DJM for picks as well. You have three rookies plus Jalen/Kobe/OO as a new core.

My Twolf source reached out a little bit ago: "Congrats on Alex Sarr. He's going to do wonders there either with Trae or as the face of a rebuild."

Sarr doesn't screen well. He is a lob threat but doesn't roll hard to the basket. He seems more hesitant on offense in terms of physical play than he does on defense. He does box out on defense for rebounds. He has excellent rim protection and shot blocking instincts. His shooting needs work If we draft him I will be fine with it. He has the most upside.

First serious update post lottery: Team's draft board before the lottery drawing was the two French kids and Clingan in that order. Obviously no one in the FO seriously thought we would win the lottery with such poor odds. When Landry in his post drawing media spot said he wasn't even thinking about a trade, just focusing on homework on the pick, that was not GM talk. It was real. Multiple teams in the NBA have called or reached out just to offer congrats to our FO because of the historic nature of the Hawks *finally* winning the lottery. The workouts and team interviews are going to play a huge role in who they finally select at #1. I was told that unless another team blows them away the Hawks are absolutely keeping the pick. Both Resslers feel this is "manna from Heaven" to fix the roster and keep Trae's interest in staying here. All the top prospects are so close together I was told one really strong interview or work out could be the deciding factor on who they select. The "Hawks DNA" will be used extensively to describe what the team is looking for in the draft. This source suspects both UCONN players are going to really impress the FO but the raw potential of both French kids is hard to overlook. The FO is praying/hoping that the other Ressler doesn't stick his nose into the pick. The first ever #1 pick that will actually play with the Hawks (screw you David Thompson btw) is a huge deal. The fear is whoever Tony wants will be the de facto pick regardless of what the FO decides. This does affect potential trade scenarios. If for instance Zach is the #1 pick the team will be less likely to trade for BI. If we take Sarr or Clingan then the need for a center will be less likely. Source feels as we get closer to the draft and the natural mania/hysteria over potential picks might get some serious trade talks brewing from sources we didn't expect before. And no, this source would not provide team names even when prompted.

I would trade the pick. That is if a deal makes sense. If they keep th the pick I think Sarr will be the choice.

This is valid. At 15th you can easily swing for pure potential. We can't do that. I honestly think Sarr at 3 would be a difference maker

You can be upset but you are better than the personal insults. You know this my friend.

I'm honestly more thinking Sarr as a 3 would give us a crazy long front count.

Please don't bro. You are better than that.

Draft board before lottery balls was Sarr Risacher and Clingan. In that order. From both Hawks sources confirmed. Make of it what you will.

I already spitballed trading with the Spurs for 4 and 8 for our #1 pick.

Update: Sarr is the FO favorite at this moment. Ressler wants to keep the pick and not trade it since it is the first ever Hawks #1 lottery pick.

Just me spit balling this: wonder if the Spurs love someone enough to pair with Wemby to send us the 4 and 8 picks for our #1 pick.

Weakest draft in modern NBA history...so ofc we win the lottery for the first time ever. Classic Atlanta. This will definitely change some of our plans for the roster. From previous hypotheticals if we don't move the pick then Clingan, Sarr and the other french kid Zachary can't remember his last name are the names they were focusing on if we got lucky in the draft.

Can you elaborate, if you don't mind? I know you feel he's a sieve defensively but he's not that bad from the tape I've watched. I wouldn't say he's a good defender but he's more of average wing defender. His length really makes up for some of his flaws as a defender. Offensively...he really is a 4-5 inch taller version of DJM. I feel like they are basically the same player just with the size difference. He loves the mid range, is effective there, but has the same issues IMO of not getting to the rim enough and not truly stretching the floor with his three point shot. I'm more concerned about his offensive fit than his defensive fit with the team if I'm being honest. I don't agree he is a negative asset but I do think this is not the slam dunk roster move some do.

What if it was Ingram, Daniels, #21 and the lakers 2025 unprotected first?

I am passing along what that source said. I find it interesting that the NBA at large (that is how it was put to me) thinks the Hawks will fake wanting a wing but will really go for a defensive minded center. I don't see Clingan lasting that long either.

Also heard from my Twolf source the NBA at large suspects the Hawks are going to fake to get a wing in the draft but really get a true center with size and ability to defend.

Tentatively connecting dots on my end here but yes

Mild updates? All of my sources agree that Herb Jones is going nowhere. Pelicans don't want Capela, they want OO and DJ and as @NBASupes has said the sticking point is we want the LAL pick. Someone will blink first on this. My guess is it is the Pelicans because they are frankly closer to contending if they make this trade than if they sit o on their hands.

I've been hearing about serious NO/ATL trade talks for months now. It takes time for FO to make big trades. FWIW I'm mentally preparing myself for BI as a Hawk next season and DJM out the door to NO.

Yes. Glen Taylor refused the rest of the sale because Arod/other guy were going to trade KAT and get under the LT. Taylor has waited a long time to have another good team and is willing to pay for it.