The Atlanta Hawks barreled through the Eastern Conference in the regular season, finishing the year at 60-22, which included a nineteen-game winning streak. The Hawks propelled themselves to the top of the conference through team play, and they all knew their role and played to it, which got them the top spot in the conference. On offense, the Hawks were electric, averaging 102.5 points per game, ranking tenth in the league. On the defensive side of the ball, Atlanta was a force to be reckoned with, allowing only 97.1 points per game, which ranked fifth in the NBA. The Hawks don’t have many spots to improve on their roster, but let’s see what they can do in the draft in this preview.

                                                                                                                               

Current Lineup

PG: Jeff Teague

SG: Kyle Korver

SF: DeMarre Carroll

PF: Paul Millsap

C: Al Horford

                                                                                                                               

Draft Picks

Round 1, Pick 15 (via Brooklyn)

Round 2, Pick 20

Round 2, Pick 29

                                                                                                                               

Team Needs

Power Forward Depth: All three Hawks’ power forwards will be hitting the free agency market this summer, with only one (Pero Antic) will be a restricted free agent. So, the Hawks need to pick up a power forward as a backup in case they are not able to re-sign Millsap.

Shooting Guard for the Future: Kyle Korver is the oldest starter on the team, at age 32, so he will not be around for much longer and the Hawks need to plan for the future and find a new shooting guard in this draft for the needs to come.

                                                                                                                               

Possible Picks

Kevon Looney: Looney is a power forward who helps the Hawks upgrade on both sides of the ball. Looney provides offensive support, as he averaged 11.6 points per game in his first year at UCLA. Looney is also able to space the floor and rebound well, which is helpful offensively and defensively. Looney’s defensive potential sets him up to be one of the best power forwards in this draft, which would improve the Hawks if Millsap walks.

Olivier Hanlan: Despite being a projected second-round draft pick, Olivier Hanlan can score like some of the first-round talent. Hanlan averaged 19.5 points per game in his junior year at Boston College. Hanlan also got the ball to open teammates, averaging 4.2 assists per game. Hanlan will be able to provide valuable minutes for the Hawks while Teague gets rest on the bench.

Larry Nance: In his senior year at Wyoming, Nance did a little bit of everything. He scored, he grabbed rebounds, and he played team ball. Nance gives the Hawks depth at the power forward spot with this late draft pick, and can contribute off the bench for Atlanta.

                                                                                                                               
There you have it for the NBA Draft Preview on the Atlanta Hawks. Be sure to tune in to the NBA Draft next Thursday, June 25th on ESPN at 8 PM.