The Atlanta Hawks are expected to have two first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft.<\/p>\n
Their top pick, which is currently set to be the No. 13 pick, will be conveyed by the Sacramento Kings. The focus of that selection<\/a> should be on Michigan State guard Jase Richardson<\/a>. Strongest in the areas where Trae Young<\/a> is weakest, he’s a terrific foil for the four-time All-Star and should emerge as his primary backup. With that in mind, as Young being diagnosed with chronic tendinopathy in 2024-25, having a full-time backup for Young is more important than ever.<\/p>\n Last season, the team relied on the wily Keaton Wallace<\/a>, who was on a two-way contract. Wallace arguably played well enough to earn a standard contract<\/a> with the Hawks. However, he definitely has to refine his game, particularly as a shot-creator and shot-maker. In 2024-25, he averaged 5.4 points per game on 40.1 percent shooting from the field and 32.9 percent shooting from 3.<\/p>\n That being said, similar to Oklahoma City Thunder guard Cason Wallace<\/a>, Richardson can also start alongside Young if need be. That’s not expected to happen as next season’s projected starting lineup (Young, Dyson Daniels<\/a>, Zaccharie Risacher<\/a>, Jalen Johnson<\/a>, Onyeka Okongwu<\/a>) is all but etched in stone. Nonetheless, given Johnson’s injury history, it’s fair to assume that he’ll miss some games next season. If so, Richardson could be promoted to the first unit, with the 6-foot-8 Daniels shifting to a forward slot.<\/p>\n Atlanta’s second first-rounder isn’t the one they control, which would have been the 14th overall pick. Due to their 2022 offseason trade for Dejounte Murray<\/a>, that pick will head to the San Antonio Spurs. It’s the second to last first-rounder that the Spurs will receive from the Hawks as recompense for their ill-fated decision.<\/p>\n Nonetheless, Atlanta will<\/em> have the 22nd overall pick. Originally, the Los Angeles Lakers’ pick, Atlanta received it by proxy thanks to the 2024 offseason trade that saw them send Murray to the New Orleans Pelicans. The Pelicans owned the pick due to what is now only the second-biggest trade<\/a> that Anthony Davis<\/a> has been a part of; the one that landed him with the Lakers.<\/p>\n Now that we’ve gotten the history of the pick covered, here’s who the Hawks should select: Colorado State swingman Nique Clifford<\/a>.<\/p>\n 2025 “Swiss Army Knife” Nique Clifford 6’6 Forward<\/p>\n Comp: Jumbo Brandin Podziemski\/Keldon Johnson + Christian Braun<\/p>\n Pros (percentile per 40): Cons: \u2014 DraftCasual (@DraftCasual) March 19, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\nNique Clifford<\/h3>\n
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\n-Mid range (94th)
\n-Rebounding (90th+ Reb)
\n-Playmaking (92th APG)
\n-Efficiency (88th TS%)
\n-Defender (96th in Stops)<\/p>\n
\n-Age (5th Year)\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/MdT7uJ7zg5<\/a><\/p>\n