Target discussions have become a major topic surrounding the Atlanta Hawks as the 2026 NBA Draft approaches. According to NBA insider and ClutchPoints reporter Brett Siegel, Mikel Brown Jr. and Keaton Wagler are “two guards the Hawks love” as the organization continues evaluating its options at No. 8 overall. While Atlanta has also shown interest in Michigan center Aday Mara, recent reports suggest the franchise remains focused on strengthening its backcourt.
Hawks Draft Targets: 2 Great Options In Brown Jr. and Wagler
That approach makes sense given the current makeup of the roster. Following the departure of Trae Young, the Hawks still need another creator capable of handling playmaking responsibilities while helping generate offense alongside Jalen Johnson and the rest of Atlanta’s young core. As a result, Brown Jr. and Wagler have emerged as the primary target options heading into draft night.
Brown Jr. Has the Higher Upside
Among most draft analysts, Brown Jr. is viewed as the superior overall prospect. His combination of athleticism, playmaking and shot creation has made him one of the most highly regarded guards in the class. Some evaluators even believe Brown Jr. could become the third-best player in the draft behind AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.
What separates Brown Jr. is his ability to impact games in multiple ways. He is explosive with the ball in his hands, consistently creates advantages off the dribble and possesses the vision necessary to find open teammates. His scoring upside is equally impressive.
One of the best examples came in February when Brown Jr. erupted for 45 points while making 10 3-pointers. Performances like that have helped elevate his draft stock throughout the year and explain why several teams picking near the top of the draft are reportedly interested in him.
Brown Jr.‘s blend of scoring and playmaking would immediately address several of Atlanta’s needs, which is why he remains a leading target for the Hawks. He projects as a player capable of running an offense while also serving as a reliable shot creator late in games.
The challenge for Atlanta may simply be availability. Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo Sports recently projected Brown Jr. to the Los Angeles Clippers at No. 5 overall in his latest mock draft. If that projection proves accurate, Brown Jr. may already be off the board before Atlanta has an opportunity to make its selection.
Wagler Could Be the More Realistic Target
While Mikel Brown Jr. receives much of the national attention, there is a compelling argument that Keaton Wagler could ultimately be the better value at No. 8.
For much of the draft process, Wagler was viewed as a near lock to hear his name called within the top five. However, recent reporting from O’Connor has suggested the Clippers are not completely sold on selecting him, opening the door for a potential slide down the board. If that happens, Atlanta could suddenly find itself with a realistic opportunity to draft one of the most talented offensive players in the class.
Wagler’s production certainly supports that possibility. He posted shooting splits of 44% from the field, 39% from three-point range and 79% from the free-throw line. By comparison, Brown Jr. shot 41% from the field and 34% from beyond the arc.
The Illinois standout has also delivered his share of explosive scoring performances. In January, Wagler scored 46 points against Purdue while knocking down nine threes. Evaluators have compared aspects of his game to both Jamal Murray and Tyrese Haliburton because of his offensive creativity, shooting ability and feel for the game.
Let's hear it NBA Draft Twitter
🚨RANK EM🚨
– Mikel Brown Jr.
– Keaton Wagler
– Darius Acuff Jr. pic.twitter.com/fJOoI9mVzo— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) June 10, 2026
Atlanta Wins Either Way at No. 8
There is no question Brown Jr. possesses greater athleticism, but Wagler does many of the same things offensively while bringing elite shooting efficiency. He also avoided some of the injury concerns that followed Brown Jr., who dealt with back issues during portions of the season.
That is why Wagler may ultimately be the more realistic target for Atlanta. If Brown Jr. comes off the board early, Wagler could quickly become the Hawks’ top target on draft night.
The good news for Atlanta is that there may not be a wrong answer. Brown Jr. arguably carries the higher ceiling because of his athleticism and playmaking ability, while Wagler offers elite shooting and offensive polish that could translate immediately.
If Brown Jr. unexpectedly falls to No. 8, the Hawks should strongly consider selecting him. However, based on current projections and reporting around the league, Wagler feels like the more attainable target. Either player would strengthen Atlanta’s backcourt and provide the organization with another foundational piece moving forward.
Regardless of which direction the Hawks choose, adding either Brown Jr. or Wagler would represent a major step toward solving one of the team’s biggest needs entering next season.
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