Atlanta Hawks: 5 options for pick No. 8 in 2019 NBA Draft

The Atlanta Hawks missed out on the Zion Williamson sweepstakes, and even fell a few spots back of their original spot in the 2019 NBA Draft. Who are their likely choices at No. 8?

When the 2019 NBA Draft Lottery got turned upside down, the Atlanta Hawks did not come out as winners in a sense. Granted, they still landed two first round draft picks, but falling from No. 5 to No. 8 could be a big blow to the team in the long run.

The Hawks are still in rebuilding mode, but they could really accelerate their plans this year. They already have their dynamic duo in Trae Young and John Collins. They put up 29 wins in 2018-19, five more than 2017-18. They have some decent perimeter shooters, but are missing some lockdown defenders. They could find that in the form of a rim-runner in this year’s draft or a solid defensive wing player as well.

With a consensus top-three of Williamson, Ja Morant and R.J. Barrett definitely off the board by No. 8 and the potential of two other point guards being taken off the board by their pick, the Hawks could have an interesting mix of players to choose from to satisfy their defensive needs.

A few mocks had De’Andre Hunter to the team when they were initially slotted at No. 5, but that may not be the case any more. Cameron Reddish and Jarrett Culver would have to both be gone to give this scenario a chance (like Sports Illustrated showed in their mock draft), but that doesn’t expect to be the case. Hunter should be the top choice for the Hawks if he is still available. Here’s five options for the Atlanta Hawks if they aren’t able to land the Virginia 3-and-D star.