Atlanta Hawks Land Duke Star in Latest 2024 Mock Draft

The 2024 NBA Draft is getting closer. Most prominent draft analysts have said this is a down year for the draft and it falls way short of last year’s class that included Victor Wembanyama, Scoot Henderson, and Brandon Miller. While the Hawks are still trying to remain in the play-in tournament race and possibly sneak into the playoffs, they are projected to have a top-ten pick in next year’s NBA draft. If the Sacramento Kings make the playoffs, Atlanta will have two first-round picks at their disposal in June So what might the Hawks do if they have two first-round picks in this draft? Jonathan Wasserman is one of the top NBA draft analysts and in his latest mock draft on Bleacher Report, he has the Hawks getting bigger and adding some shooting. With the 9th pick, Wasserman mocks Duke star Kyle Filipowski to the Hawks:

“Scoring mismatch isn’t the draw to Kyle Filipowski anymore. It’s the versatility—a specific combination of shooting, passing, physical finishing and switchable defense that separates him from most 7-footers and can give a frontcourt a different feel or advantage. The flashes of transition ball-handling or half-court face-up moves into drives are a bonus and allow Filipowski to generate his own offense in space. But his real value comes from making his lineup better with floor-spacing, post-passing, cleaning up inside, and his ability to slide and guard around the perimeter.” With the Kings pick (18th), Wasserman has the Hawks taking Kansas forward Johnny Furphy. “Teams looking to fill off-ball positions with efficient shotmaking, play-finishing and activity will be drawn to Johnny Furphy. While he hasn’t flashed much creation or passing, his 37.3 three-point mark and 80.8 field-goal percentage at the rim feel ideal for a spot-up and transition-heavy role. He’s the type of player whose off shooting nights won’t hurt, given the automatic spacing and energy he brings.”

These would be two intriguing fits in Atlanta. Filipowski would give them a solid all-around big man who can be a rim-runner for Trae Young while also giving them a stretch five who can space the floor. Furphy would give Atlanta some spot-up shooting and size. You can never have enough players like that and he could make the Hawks a more dangerous offense.