Atlanta Hawks TBT – Season Review

 

2023 – 24 Season Record: 15 – 67

 

The 2023 – 24 campaign was one to forget for the Atlanta Hawks, who finished in last place in the Eastern Conference.  Although for GM Bulldog, this isn’t all bad news and fans do have a reason to be excited after this campaign, after all they did have two top 5 picks in this year’s draft.   GM Bulldog is always active and willing to talk trades or just add his two cents on different topics, which is great to see from a GM of a team who isn’t winning many games right now!  The Hawks were also missing their best player (Desmond Bane) for half of the season as he only featured in 43 games.  The young core in Atlanta has some real promise, Coby White is finally blossoming into the player some of us thought he would be and he is on an absolute steal of a contract.

 

Season Highlight:

The Draft

 

How can the draft not be the highlight of a season where you have the second worst record in the league and end up with from memory 3 lottery picks?  Allowing you to trade up and secure the #1 overall.  The Hawks made 2 selections on draft night, pick 1 and Pick 5, they’re hoping these two picks can help bolster their future and add to the already improving young core they have. 

 

The Picks

 

#1 – Alexandre Sarr

With the #1 pick in the 2024 NSL Draft the Atlanta Hawks selected Alex Sarr from the Perth Wildcats in Australia’s National Basketball League.   Alex Sarr, a versatile French basketball prospect, will make waves in Atlanta with his impressive skill set and potential. Standing at 7'1" tall, Sarr combines size, agility, and a developing offensive game, which makes him an intriguing prospect. He’s known for his defensive prowess, especially hit shot-blocking ability, and his ability to switch across multiple positions. Though he’s still refining his offensive tools and is quite raw, he moves well for his size and the potential is what GM Bulldog is banking on with this selection.  If he can reach his ceiling, he will be a very intriguing 2k player, although he is a way off that potential right now. 

 

#5 – Donovan Clingan

With the #5 pick in the 2024 NSL Draft the Atlanta Hawks select Donovan Clingan from the 2x National Champion UConn Huskies.  Donovan Clingan, is a towering 7'2" center, he turned heads with his dominant presence in the paint for UConn. Known for his shot-blocking ability and rebounding, he’s a formidable force on defence, deterring opponents with his sheer size and timing. Offensively, Clingan has a strong post-game and will hopefully show some progress with his footwork and touch around the rim. While he’s still developing his range and versatility, his potential as a traditional big man with a modern edge makes him an exciting prospect. As he hones his skills, Clingan will be a valuable asset in 2k from day 1 with his shot blocking and paint presence. 

 

It goes without saying that GM Bulldog belies his Atlanta Hawks have drafted their front court of the future with these two draft selections.

 

Trades:

 

Atlanta was relatively active on the trade front across the 2023-24 campaign, making a total of 11 trades.  Some were small and some were not, let’s take a quick look into the most notable ones.

 

Damian Lillard leaves Atlanta

 

Atlanta Sends:

Damian Lillard, Portland 28 second round pick, Atlanta 28 second round pick

 

Atlanta Receives:

Tobias Harris

Jarace Walker

Jaime Jacquez Jr

Brandon Podziemski

Cle 24 first

Atl 24 first

Sac 27 first

 

This is a monster trade, that really signalled the rebuild was on in Atlanta.  Damian Lillard is a superstar; GM Bulldog got the superstar return he deserved.   Podz and Jacques both look like fantastic high end role players, who will fit in nicely with the build the Hawks have going, Jarace Walker has potential but it yet to show much.  The Sacramento 27 first could be a great pick as well, this is well and truly a win for the now rebuilding Atlanta Hawks.

 

DeAndre Hunter Leaves Atlanta:

 

Atlanta Sends:

DeAndre Hunter

Min 24 Second

Por 24 Second

 

Atlanta Receives:

Buddy Hield

NY 24 First

Utah 24 First

 

Once again, we have another solid trade for Atlanta here, that assists in the rebuild.  Getting 2 firsts and a great role player in Buddy Hield is fantastic value for DeAndre Hunter.  Hunter has been a great fit for the Thunder, so this is a win win type deal.

 

Worst Trade:

 

Atlanta Sends:

Andrew Nembhard

Santi Aldama

Atlanta 25 First

Phoenix 25 Second

Boston 26 Second

 

Atlanta Receives:

Immanuel Quickley

 

I don’t HATE this trade for Atlanta, and I wouldn’t say it is a loss as such however, Nembhard has shown some good flashed of potential in the NBA and maybe he becomes a slightly lesser version of Quickley?  Aldama is a decent role player and then picks on top might just tilt the scales to the Lakers side of the deal for me.  Again, I don’t think this is a bad trade, probably just the worst value one for the Atlanta side from the deals they made this past season.

 

 

Star of the team:

As of right now, the team lacks a clear superstar talent however, I believe they have several players who can reach that all-star level if things break right for them, and they continue their development. 

 

Immanuel Quickley, Coby White, Desmond Bane, Alex Sarr are the 4 I would have as those who can reach that all-star level if things break right.

 

Draft Grades:

Alex Sarr - #1

Donovan Clingan - #5

 

Grade: A-

 

As mentioned previously, Gm Bulldog likely has found his front court of the future in this year’s draft.  Sarr and Clingan, should be effective in 2k from the jump with plenty of upside to grow into as well.  The only reason this isn’t above an A- for me is that I don’t think anyone from this draft class is worth more than an A- due to the consensus on the draft.

 

The Future:

 

The Hawks have a long road ahead back to contention, I believe this is just fine for GM Bulldog as of right now!  They have a tonne of youth and a reasonable amount of picks to continue this rebuild.  Down the track if these young players reach their potential, the hawks will have to answer some tough contract questions if they intend to keep them all, but on the other side of that coin, they will also have some extremely tradeable assets.

 

All the best for the future GM Bulldog and the Hawks.