After completing a blockbuster trade that sent a shockwave through the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks will have one first-round pick (No. 13) in the 2025 NBA Draft. Originally, they were expected to target a center prospect, with multiple having worked out or interviewed with them. However, with Kristaps Porzingis now in the fold, it stands to reason that they’ll have adjusted their focus.
Hawks Best Draft Targets Post-Kristaps Porzingis Trade
Jase Richardson
2024-25 stats: 12.1 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.8 SPG, 49.3 FG%, 41.2 3P%
The Hawks have already been linked to Michigan State guard Jase Richardson, the son of former NBA star Jason Richardson. With that being said, Atlanta seemingly hasn’t had a consistent backup point guard for Trae Young since his rookie season, when Jeremy Lin averaged 10.7 points and 3.5 assists per game (51 games). Yet, with Young having developed chronic ankle tendonitis, stabilizing the depth behind him is more important than ever. Richardson –wise beyond his years, a skilled scorer and a dependable defender —can step into that role.
Carter Bryant
2024-25 stats: 6.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.0 BPG, 0.9 SPG, 46.0 FG%, 37.1 3P%
Next season, Young is expected to start alongside Dyson Daniels, Jalen Johnson, and Zaccharie Risacher. Due to his length, shot-blocking and floor-spacing, the recently acquired Porzingis could be the fifth starter. Behind that quintet are Onyeka Okongwu, Vit Krejci, Mouhamed Gueye, Dominick Barlow and Kobe Bufkin. What stands out about their depth is that Krejci is the only reliable 3-point threat and perimeter defender. This makes a prospect like Arizona freshman forward Carter Bryant, who plays much like Risacher, a particularly appealing option.
Drake Powell
2024-25 stats: 7.4 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 0.7 BPG, 0.7 SPG, 48.3 FG%, 37.9 3P%
In the process of adding Porzingis, the Hawks lost Terance Mann. In terms of comparative value, the Hawks made a way like bandits. Nevertheless, Risacher and Mann are their only 3-and-D wings, a key archetype in the NBA. Consequently, Atlanta could prioritize that type of prospect in the upcoming draft.
If so, UNC freshman wing Drake Powell should be on the short list. Like Bryant, the former five-star recruit’s counting stats were modest. Nonetheless, he’s not only an efficient 3-point shooter but has the potential to be an all-league defender.
Cedric Coward
2024-25 stats: 17.7 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 3.7 SPG, 1.7 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 55.7 FG%, 40.0 3P%
In recent weeks, Washington State junior wing Cedric Coward has become one of the hotter prospects. His scouting report should leave no question about why. He has great feel, soft touch, a variety of ways to score and uses his length well in multiple facets of the game. At worst, Coward seems like he could play at the level 2024 No. 17 pick Dalton Knecht –at one point a 2024-25 Rookie of the Year candidate –did with the Los Angeles Lakers. With that in mind, Atlanta’s in need of off-ball shooting and scoring in the second unit; all the Hawks need him to do is what he’s good at.
Nique Clifford
2024-25 stats: 18.9 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG, 49.6 FG%, 37.7 3P%
Colorado State fifth-year senior Nique Clifford is a late-bloomer, but he’s also a Swiss Army Knife with a knack for getting the ball in the basket. In fact, the way he knifes his way through a defense is awfully reminiscent of Hawks free agent Caris LeVert. With that in mind, if Atlanta can get a LeVert replica (or even LeVert-lite) without having to pony up the money he’ll demand this offseason, they’ll be in even better position to be major players in the 2026 free agency period.
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