Three Players The Hawks Should Take If They Move Into The Top Four of the 2024 NBA Draft

The 2024 NBA Draft Lottery will take place next Sunday and while this is not considered to be a very strong draft overall, it will be a chance for teams to find out where they are selecting. It will help teams further plan this offseason in ways that they need to improve their roster.

For the Atlanta Hawks, they have a 13.9% chance of moving into the top four of the NBA Draft and a 3% chance of landing the No. 1 overall pick. It would be a nice win for the Hawks if they could move into the top four of the draft, even if the draft is not considered especially strong.

If Atlanta were to move into the top four of the draft, who should their targets be?

1. Alex Sarr- 7'1 217 LBS, PF/C, France

In a weak draft, Sarr stands out as the top prospect for me and I had him ranked as the top prospect on my first Atlanta Hawks big board of the summer. Sarr is a very athletic and versatile big that Atlanta would love to have on their roster. While there is a lot of debate about the top of the draft and where these prospects will land, I think Atlanta is going to have to move into the top four or possibly higher if they want to take Sarr. If Atlanta stays at 10th, where they are most likely to be picking, then Atlanta has almost no chance of landing Sarr.

While his offense needs some work, especially when it comes to shooting, Sarr might have the most upside in this class and fills a need for the Hawks. He could become an athletic, playmaking wing with high upside on defense, something Atlanta really needs.

Here is his scouting report from the Ringer's Kevin O' Connor:

PLUSES

MINUSES

2. Donovan Clingan- 7'2, 280 LBS, UConn

Aside from a forward, the Hawks could use another center, particularly one with a defensive mindset. There is no other center who fits that description more than UConn's Donovan Clingan. Clingan was already a lottery prospect prior to the NCAA Tournament, but he elevated his draft status with a huge tournament.

While Clingan is not going to wow you with his offensive skill set, his defensive and shot blocking presence, plus his rebounding, make him a valuable player on the floor and one who could take over the backup center position if Atlanta moves Clint Capela this summer.

Here is the scouting report on Clingan from O'Connor:

PLUSES

MINUSES

3. Matas Buzelis- 6'11, 195 LBS, G-League Ignite

Buzelis has been a popular pick for the Hawks at No. 10 if they stick there, but I think it is totally justifiable for the Hawks to take him in the top four. He is a talented prospect with upside and he also fills a position of need for the Hawks. He is a big and athletic forward who would bring size and versatility to the Atlanta. His big question is going to be about his shooting. He has had good shooting seasons before, but did not shoot it well these past couple of years.

In the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman, he had the Hawks taking Buzelis at No. 10 overall:

"Pro Comparison: Hedo Türkoğlu

Matas Buzelis' G League reel highlights a coveted mix of big-wing size and scoring versatility from on and off the ball. His physical tools and perimeter skill set create an enticing archetype that could sway teams to reach and remain patient in spite of his inconsistency.

Regarding his shooting, he'll have workouts to convince teams that his high school percentages were better indicators of his potential than his disappointing 27.3 three-point percentage with Ignite."

Here is a scouting report on Buzelis from The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor:

PLUSES

MINUSES