Barring a trade that involves the San Antonio Spurs, the Atlanta Hawks won’t own their own first-round pick in 2025. Yet, they’ll have the Los Angeles Lakers’ thanks to their decision to send Dejounte Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans.
So far, Dyson Daniels has been the Grinch that keeps on Grinching, displaying a knack for audacious thefts. With that being said, the Lakers’ pick could net the Hawks a player who becomes just as important, especially with L.A. hitting a snag early in the season. To that point, the Lakers are just 13-11, eighth in the Western Conference. As a result, Atlanta is currently projected to land the 17th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
That could always change. However, minus their last title year, the Lakers have been slightly above- or below-average in every season of their LeBron James era. So, looking ahead, here are three worthwhile prospects who could be available when the Hawks are on the clock.
Hawks Can Draft Key Rotation Piece In 2025
Boogie Fland
Arkansas freshman Boogie Fland is ideally suited to play the part of Trae Young’s understudy.
True freshman Boogie Fland tonight aganst No. 1 Kansas:
▪️ 22 PTS
▪️ 8-15 FG
▪️ 5 AST
▪️ 6 STL pic.twitter.com/6cXMgJZncq— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) October 26, 2024
At 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds, Fland is a crafty shot-creator and playmaker who excels beyond the arc. His numbers tell the same story the film does, helping to make his projection rather simple. To that point, the Bronx native is averaging 15.5 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.6 steals per game while connecting on 38.8 percent of his threes.
The Hawks may not want to give up 2023 No. 15 pick Kobe Bufkin just yet. However, the Michigan product hasn’t been able to get any rhythm in his young career due to injuries. With his rookie contract steadily approaching its expiration date, it might be time for Atlanta to make a decision.
Asa Newell
With Clint Capela on the final year of his contract and the wrong side of 30, it’s time for the Hawks to start looking for his replacement.
Asa Newell vs Notre Dame tonight…
20 PTS (8-16, 4-5 FTs)
11 REBS
2 AST
1 STLWhat team will be on next season??? pic.twitter.com/2wT9vzYZDe
— Frankie Vision (@Frankie_Vision) December 4, 2024
Asa Newell, playing right in their backyard in Athens, is one option for Atlanta. Georgia’s freshman isn’t flashy, getting his points from putbacks and lobs more than post-ups. However, he’s a lithe big man who makes a strong impression on both ends with his length and activity.
Newell’s catch radius will make a tremendous target for Young. His shot-blocking instincts will make a difference defensively. His nose for the ball will even help Atlanta, as they aren’t the best on the defensive boards.
At 6-foot-11 and 220 pounds, Newell is averaging 15.9 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. If he can get his three-ball down (he’s currently 3-19), he’d go from a tool to a legitimate weapon.
Derik Queen
Maryland freshman Derik Queen is another center who could replace Capela next season.
Derik Queen is already one of the most productive big men in the NCAA, scoring in bunches while demonstrating a high skill-level and excellent feel for the game. He’ll have a big runway to continue to improve his standing in Big Ten play in a featured role for Maryland. pic.twitter.com/s15YDCn7um
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) December 10, 2024
Listed at 6-foot-10 and 246 pounds, he’s more of a bruiser than rim-runner. Furthermore, his conditioning has been a question mark for draft scouts. However, he’s similar to Nikola Jokic because while his physique isn’t particularly impressive, it cloaks how nimble he is.
What makes Queen particularly attractive for the Hawks is his that he’s a three-level scorer with playmaking upside. Atlanta has a couple of bigs with similar qualities but they lack Queen’s overall combination of size and skill. With their balanced attack now taking flight, Queen could help propel them to new heights.
The 20-year-old is averaging 17.5 points, 8.7 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. Though he’s just 2-15 from outside to start the season, his shooting stroke looks natural and confident. His proficiency on jumpers inside the arc could foreshadow his proclivity to knock down threes with regularity.
