In what’s become an increasingly global game, the Atlanta Hawks appear to be going international. Though they may still trade their top pick, the two prospects heavily linked to the Hawks are natives of France. Now, it appears that Atlanta’s front office is doing their homework on an Australian big man with a lot of game.
Hawks Line Up Workout With Will Magnay
According to ESPN’s Olgun Uluc, the Hawks are bringing in NBL star Will Magnay for a workout as the 25-year-old looks to make a jump to the NBA (h/t NBL.com).
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The Hawks caught wind of Magnay when they were scouting center Alexandre Sarr. Sarr played for the Perth Wildcats in 2023-24 as part of the league’s Next Stars program. Potentially the first player off the board come June, Hawks general manager Landry Fields singled Sarr out immediately after the team won the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
As it’s likely Fields —a former NBA player —poured over Sarr’s film for the entire season, Magnay’s Tasmania JackJumpers would’ve had entered his field of vision. The Wildcats played the JackJumpers six times in 2023-24, more than any other team. This includes three head-to-head matchups in the NBL semifinals, where Perth would lose, 1-2.
What He Brings To The Hawks
Listed at 6-foot-10 and 234 pounds, Magnay averaged 10.8 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks in 2023-24. His rebounding and block average were the highest on the team despite him ranking sixth in minutes per game (19.5). In fact, Magnay led the NBL in blocks per game, even edging out Sarr (1.5). In what was his seventh career season, he was instrumental in Tasmania winning their first title.
For the Hawks, Magnay’s interior scoring is one of his biggest draws. Not only can he finish above the rim, he’s capable of finishing under it. Whether it’s a post-up, cut, or dive, Magnay’s strength, footwork, soft touch, and flexibility allow him to finish at a high rate. In fact, he shot 67.0 percent from the field last season. At the other end, he’s springy, active, and agile enough to guard players inside or outside.
Magnay’s Butterfly Effect
If Atlanta were to sign Magnay, he’d challenge both Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu for minutes. For one, he’s just that good. Secondly, without more consistency beyond the arc from Okongwu, there’s not much difference in their skillsets. If the Hawks can move either player for a more affordable option, one who still hasn’t hit his prime, it may be an offer they can’t refuse.
With regard to Sarr, it’s a similar story. If Atlanta believes they can sign Magnay, they could look another direction with the No. 1 pick. In what’s been an extraordinarily fluid draft cycle, JL Bourg forward Zaccharie Risacher is the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 if Sarr doesn’t. Though a streaky outside threat, he’s a dynamic two-way player whose positional versatility is particularly useful.
G League Ignite swingman Ron Holland, Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard, and Colorado wing Cody Williams may be dark horse candidates.
Holland’s only weakness is a consistent 3-point stroke and he may have higher upside than Risacher. Sheppard is an average athlete with a preternatural feel, elite shooting touch, and undeniable bloodlines. Williams may be the most intriguing prospect; not many players can average 16.5 points per game while averaging just over two 3-point attempts.
