2018 NBA Draft: 5 lottery teams with the most at stake
By Max Holm
4. Atlanta Hawks
Where the Magic are stuck in mediocrity, the Atlanta Hawks aren’t even in that tier. Just a few years removed from 60 wins, the Hawks are sitting without much of a future.
They have an exciting new young coach in former 76ers assistant Lloyd Pierce, but he doesn’t have much to work with. Their core is Dennis Schroder (who likely wants to leave), John Collins (who is a poor fit for the modern NBA) and Taurean Prince (who is a promising wing, but not necessarily a star in the making).
That’s what makes this pick so important. Atlanta needs a new face of the franchise. He doesn’t have to be the face, but they can’t miss on this pick. With at least one of Luka Doncic or Jaren Jackson Jr. expected to be available, there shouldn’t be too much risk for the Hawks. However, with no real core pieces, this pick is the most important in recent franchise history.