New NBA Mock Draft: Lottery Results Are In! Hawks Make History, Secure No. 1 Pick Despite 3% Odds
With the first pick in the 2024 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks will select...
The Atlanta Hawks surged to claim the top spot in this year's NBA draft, clinching their first-ever lottery victory in franchise history. Despite finishing the season at 36-46 and securing the tenth spot in the Eastern Conference, the Hawks overcame daunting 3% odds to secure the coveted first pick.
The Washington Wizards, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons round out the top five.
Despite finishing with the worst record in the NBA at 14-68, Detroit had the highest possible odds at 14% to land the No. 1 pick. Unfortunately the Pistons ended up with the worst-case scenario and fell to No. 5 for the second season in a row.
The uncertainty of who Atlanta will choose remains a major storyline in the coming weeks, as this year's draft class lacks a clear consensus No. 1 pick.
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1. Atlanta Hawks
Alex Sarr
Perth Wildcats (Australia)
International
PF/C
7’1” | 215
Age on draft night: 19.1
In a historic moment for the franchise, the Atlanta Hawks won the NBA Draft Lottery, defying slim odds of just 3% to secure the top spot.
Atlanta faces significant decisions this summer and may consider trading players like Trae Young, Dejounte Murray, and Clint Capela as part of a potential full rebuild strategy.
Sarr has the tools to be one of the better two-way players in the NBA. He has the size and length to serve as a rim protector, along with the speed and agility to switch out and guard wings on the perimeter.
Though his defense is the skill he’ll hang his hat on early in his career, offensively he’s just scratching the surface of his potential and checks several boxes that NBA teams seek in a modern-day big man.
He’s an athletic vertical lob threat with a promising low post game, also showing flashes as a ball handler, floor spacer, and is comfortable attacking the rim on closeouts. Nonetheless, his blend of size, length, defensive capabilities, and shooting potential solidify him as the top prospect in my view.