Hawks on the Clock: Ranking the Best Fits for the No. 1 Pick

C Donovan Clingan, UConn

Donovan Clingan is one of the best rim protectors in the draft, yet he has the potential to be a force on the offensive end as well. With his defensive presence alone, Clingan is an exciting prospect, but if he can develop his jump shot to add to the lob threat he already poses, he has a shot at being a star in the league. It would be a long shot for the Hawks to take the seven-footer with the first overall pick, but strange things have certainly happened.

1) PF/C Alex Sarr, Overseas (Australia)

Alex Sarr is undeniably one of the top prospects in this draft, and he’s rumored to be a top target for the Hawks ahead of draft night. Sarr is a bit raw, but he has all the tools to develop into a franchise player. At seven-foot-one, the big man has potential as a defensive standout and an underrated offensive player. It would be a shock to see the Hawks pass up on the Australian, but the selection of Sarr would likely mean the end of Clint Capela’s time in Atlanta.

2) G/F Zaccharie Risacher, Overseas (France)

Zaccharie Risacher is yet another overseas prospect that could be selected within the top three picks of the upcoming draft. The versatile Frenchman improved his draft stock towards the end of his season, in which he showed the ability to be versatile, interchange positions, and impact both sides of the court. Risacher may be a big swing with the hopes of the prospect paying off, but with the tools and skillset to be a great player, it may be a shot worth taking for Atlanta.

3) G Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

Reed Sheppard may not be a name many people would slot in as the top selection in the draft, but the Kentucky standout has been mocked as the No. 1 draft pick in multiple mocks over the last month. The guard has shown flashes of his ability to be a playmaker and a lethal offensive weapon. In addition, Reed has flashed as a more than capable defender. With shades between Devin Booker and Donte DiVincenzo, Sheppard could be a sneaky yet solid selection if Atlanta went that route.

4) G Stephon Castle, UConn 

Stephon Castle is, without a doubt, going to be a lottery pick; the question is, how high? The UConn guard has the talent to go as high as No. 1, but his offensive struggles could make him fall closer to the top ten. Nonetheless, Castle is arguably one of the best defensive players in the draft, and if he could improve on the offensive end, he could be the best two-way player out of this draft class.

C Donovan Clingan, UConn

Donovan Clingan is one of the best rim protectors in the draft, yet he has the potential to be a force on the offensive end as well. With his defensive presence alone, Clingan is an exciting prospect, but if he can develop his jump shot to add to the lob threat he already poses, he has a shot at being a star in the league. It would be a long shot for the Hawks to take the seven-footer with the first overall pick, but strange things have certainly happened.