The Atlanta Hawks will enter the 2026 NBA Draft with several directions to consider, but one possibility continues to stand out: adding an elite big man.
After moving on from Trae Young, Atlanta appears to be searching for its next long-term point guard. Prospects like Darius Acuff Jr. (Arkansas), Kingston Flemings (Houston), Keaton Wagler (Illinois), Brayden Burries (Arizona), and Mikel Brown Jr. (Louisville) all offer intriguing pathways to reshape the backcourt.
However, an elite big man presents a different kind of opportunity.
Should The Hawks Target Elite Michigan Big Man In The Draft?
An elite big man is not a typical solution for a team coming off a major guard transition, but that is what makes this decision so interesting.
At seven-foot-three, Aday Mara brings a physical profile that immediately stands out. Yet his true value goes beyond size. His passing ability and court vision allow him to function as a playmaker from the center position, something very few players can do effectively.
That combination gives Atlanta another way to structure its offense.
Instead of relying on a traditional point guard, an elite big man could help initiate offense through the post or high elbow. That type of versatility can open new possibilities for how the Hawks build their system moving forward.
Why Mara Could Change Atlanta’s Defensive Identity
Adding an elite center would also reshape the defensive side of the floor.
With his size, he naturally protects the rim and alters shots in the paint. Opponents must adjust their approach when attacking the basket, which can change the flow of a game. More importantly, he has shown flashes of mobility, including the ability to step out and defend on the perimeter.
That level of versatility is rare.
The Hawks’ center option becomes even more appealing when paired with Jalen Johnson. Together, they could form a defensive core built on length, switchability, and rim protection.
That kind of identity would be difficult for opposing teams to exploit.
Aday Mara’s profile is rare at his size
18.5 AST% + 1.21 AST/TO
7’3 with a 12.7 BLK%
76.6% at the rim (97th percentile)An outlier blend of rim protection, passing feel, and touch that projects to NBA impact pic.twitter.com/pFoCc4uEra
— Isaiah Silas (@IsaiahScouting) March 1, 2026
Balancing Immediate Needs With Long-Term Upside
The biggest question is whether Atlanta prioritizes immediate need or long-term upside.
The Hawks clearly need a point guard for the future. However, an elite big man represents a unique opportunity to add a player with a different kind of impact. His ability to pass, defend, and control the interior could outweigh positional concerns.
Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh has emphasized a best player available mindset. That philosophy suggests the Hawks should not pass on high-level talent simply to fill a need.
Talent often shapes direction.
At the same time, roster balance matters. Drafting a guard would address an obvious gap. Selecting an elite big man would signal a commitment to size, versatility, and defensive identity.
That is not a small shift. Still, the upside is clear.
An elite big man offers tools that few prospects can match. His presence could change how Atlanta defends, how it creates offense, and how it builds around its young core.
If he is available, the Hawks should take a serious look. In a draft where long-term impact matters most, adding an elite big man could prove to be a defining decision for the franchise. For a team already trending toward size and versatility, that decision might align perfectly with its future.
Featured Image: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
