In their latest mock drafts ahead of Wednesday’s first round, ESPN’s Jonathan Givony (Insider link) and Sam Vecenie of The Athletic each say there’s no clarity yet on what the Hawks will do with the No. 1 overall pick. Both mocks still have Zaccharie Risacher going to Atlanta first overall for the time being, but haven’t ruled out the idea of a trade down (possibly for Donovan Clingan) or a different choice at No. 1.
While there has been some chatter linking French big man Alexandre Sarr to Atlanta, both Givony and Vecenie suggest those rumblings may be a smokescreen designed to get the Wizards to consider a possible move up to No. 1 so that they can land the player widely viewed as their top target. A year ago, the Wizards moved up one spot in the lottery from No. 8 to No. 7 in order to nab Bilal Coulibaly.
According to Givony, there’s a belief that Sarr would be comfortable ending up with the Wizards, whose rebuild may offer him a more immediate path to a significant role. Meanwhile, during a Tuesday radio appearance on 92.9 The Game in Atlanta, Hawks general manager Landry Fields confirmed that Sarr hasn’t visited his team, as Brad Rowland of Locked on Hawks relays (via Twitter).
“He was scheduled to come work out,” Fields said of Sarr. “We had it on the books and then he declined to come work out.”
Here’s more on the 2024 NBA draft, which is just one day away:
- Both Vecenie and Jeff Goodman of Field of 68 (Twitter link) have received similar feedback on the quality of this year’s draft class. According to Vecenie, while this year’s top 10 is considered weak, the depth in the 10-25 range is viewed as strong, with the rest of the class at about the usual level. A veteran general manager offered a similar assessment to Goodman. “The depth of this draft, especially in the back half of the first round, isn’t much different than in most years,” that GM said. “But the top five – and even top 10 – collectively is as underwhelming as I’ve ever seen it.”
- Among the many sourced notes in Vecenie’s mock draft: The Knicks have had interest in Marquette guard Tyler Kolek throughout the season, while the Bulls are believed to be fans of Illinois wing Terrence Shannon. Kolek may be off the board by the time New York picks at No. 24; conversely, Chicago’s No. 11 pick would be higher than expected for Shannon, who has been viewed as a late first-rounder in most mocks.
- Confirming prior reporting, Josh Robbins of The Athletic cites a team source who says the Wizards are “amenable” to acquiring another first-round pick. Washington currently controls the second and 26th overall selections. However, one scenario suggested by Robbins would involve the Wizards sending out a veteran player, the No. 26 pick, and the No. 51 pick for matching salary and a higher first-round pick, which would mean upgrading their second first-rounder rather than adding a third one.
- ESPN’s latest mock draft has Yves Missi going to the Pelicans at No. 21, and a recent HoopsHype report also linked New Orleans to the former Baylor center. According to Christian Clark of NOLA.com, the Pelicans met with Missi at the draft combine in Chicago and also brought him to New Orleans for a workout. While Clark expects Missi to get serious consideration from the Pels if he’s available at No. 21, he says it’s unclear whether the team will prefer a player who is more NBA-ready.
Every time I see Kolek pop up, my brain insists it’s the ex-Marlins pitching prospect of the same name. Which is weird; I hadn’t thought about him in years.
I’d rather have Hansen Yang than Clingan. It’s sorta mind boggling that anyone would consider him a top10 pick, especially after guys like Cole Aldrich, Thabeet & more washed out of the league. Would Clingan even be an upgrade over Bruno Fernando as our 3rd big? I’m not sure he would be, especially not as a rookie. That means the Hawks have 3 guys at his position under contract for next season that are better than him lol. And obv he can’t play any other positions. What type of logic would make us or anyone wanna waste a top10 pick on him? Meanwhile the guy who actually led UConn to their back2back titles (Tristen Newton) is as anonymous as anyone else in this draft class according to the media. But yea y’all should get hip to Hansen Yang… link to m.youtube.com
Lol yo this site is crazy lol they been pushing Clingan as a top3 guy in the class like he’s family but here they say that 11 is too high for Terrence Shannon Jr. Lol what do you guys be watching? Is this a Rupert Murdoch owned site or something? Y’all are way too transparent with your bias towards White players. I never seen a basketball website with Fox & Friends vibes this strong before.
None of us care where anyone is drafted. Clingan was mentioned here because both Vecenie and Givony named him as the probable target in a trade-down scenario. Re: Shannon, drafting him at 11 would be far higher than the consensus (he’s at No. 29 and No. 25 in those two mocks and I don’t recall him seeing him in the lottery in any mock drafts since the season ended), but I’ll tweak the wording there so it doesn’t imply I think he can’t provide a positive return on investment at No. 11 — he could!
If you worked for this site for more than a few months and haven’t noticed a strong Fox & Friends vibe then I have to question your perception ability. Clingan & this draft are just the most recent example. There are so many examples. And it’s obv not just this site that has these same biases. All of Western media is like this to some extent. It’s just that this is a basketball site. It feels like a major basketball site in 2024 shouldn’t have such a Billy Packer type vibe.
And as far as Terrence Shannon I’m very happy to see you give him credit as a guy that could help a team. I prob wouldn’t take him at 1 but I also wouldn’t be mad at all if the Hawks took him at 1. The consensus of what other people are saying truly doesn’t matter (to me or in general). When it comes to the basketball of it all he fits what we need a great deal more than Clingan or even Sarr/Risacher tbh. His ceiling might be a bit lower bc of his age but take away his locks, his tattoos/off court swag & what the mock drafts say & just look at him as a basketball player. He’s as impressive as any guy in the class.
You are the only one bringing up race in this topic and many others so if there is a racist here for sure you are the one
Lol bro that was hilarious but that’s not how racism works. Please go kick rocks unless you have a thought on how TShannon stacks up vs current NBA guards.
Maybe you should start your own site if you feel you can do better. It really isn’t that expensive to get started. It is called Social Media for a reason.
Lol who is this giants fan that wants me off their lawn so bad!? I’m just trying to talk basketball on a platform that isn’t transparently white supremacist. Is it really necessary to start my own website for that? Can’t this one live up to that extremely low bar?
I have never seen any of the writers on this site disparage any player or front office personnel based on race. Show me specifically where they have done that.
Different people have different opinions of where players should be drafted in all sports. Mistakes are always made. Nobody is perfect. Making a mistake about draft position is hardly racist. Luke just reported on one pundits mock draft. There are always articles on re-drafts.
I am not trying to chase you off this site. You sound like you are saying you can do better. That’s how these sites get started. Why complain if you can prove that you are better at it.
Maybe you should look into Shannon’s off court history if you’re looking for a reason why teams would be hesitant to draft him. Along with, you know, actual skillset and talent projection factoring into draft estimations.
What are your thoughts on Shannon’s on court abilities? What type of pro do you think he’ll be? Where should he go in the draft?
Dude everyone on here. Knows you bring up race more than anyone. So please stop the nonsense. Get woke woke and educated. We are not here to end racism in the world. We are here for BALL ….
@sankara “If you worked for this site for more than a few months”…Huh? Luke has been with site more than a few months, many, many more. This site is a news aggregator. The stories come from other sources. Hoopsrumors is definitely not like Fox & Friends.
Then I guess Im questioning his perception ability & yours. You his lawyer or secretary or what?
Pay no attention to the basketball guru behind these ridiculous comments. He fancies himself a legend in is mind, a school yard legend in his mind . Nonsensical scenarios are his calling card and his knowledge is only limited by his imagination.
Appreciate the responses and all the hard work Luke
Great site you and the crew have put together here
Umm…You could easily look up who owns this site…And it is definitely not Rupert Murdoch. I doubt Rupert could care less about any American sports.
This is a rumors site. What part of that don’t you get. They report on all chatter out there. When it comes to the draft. There is always plenty.
Instead of throwing names out there like you know something. Why do t you explain yourself and tell us why you like someone. Instead of thrashing rumors and reports. That are just that. Me personally. I want to know all that’s out there before the draft. As an NBA fan. I can’t get enough news about the draft. It’s the future of the League you claim to be a fan of. Glass is half full lol. Try it
ok bro, this is me giving you attention.
I care the least about you. Not only don’t you know ball
Center the least important position in Basketball….. only a clown says that.
You are the only race preacher on here. You crave attention like a lost puppy. I like it better when you never respond to me. Unlike you. I’m not here for attention. I post facts and positions I believe in. Cause I’m all about this game.
And yes I try and educate about the Knicks. Since they get so many genius takes.
I got a serious question ???
Do you know who San Martin is …..learn his story and struggle.
Well said mr alfonso….respect to knicker
Kolek’s an interesting guy. Pretty straightforward PG, but his 3pt shooting touch looks special. Could end up being one of those guys who outplays his draft position early before he settles into the league.
The Wizards don’t really need to move up to #1 as long as Sarr isn’t going to Atlanta. He’s the guy they need to draft. Mobley-esque speed and defensive reactions with even greater length gives them a lot to build around at the 5, even if his offensive game is underdeveloped he could turn out like Marcus Camby. Bagley is a trade option more than he is any kind of rebuilding piece at this point. Risacher is a good player, but he’s not as much a fit for their roster as Sarr would be, and the talent gap isn’t that great. They have Coulibaly and Deni to try building up on the wings, plus Kispert off the bench for added 6th man-esque punch.
If Sarr’s the guy they need like you say then they definitely should move up. Hawks could easily draft him at 1. Or they could trade the pick to another team that wants him. Also completely disagree that his game is underdeveloped. Reminds me of people saying similar things about ADavis and KG when they came in the league. Sarr can do a bit of everything offensively & he’s only gonna get better. I promise it’s sorta obv to see when you watch him play. He can shoot. Idk or really care what his #s were at OTE or in Australia but I know hes gonna be able to shoot in the league just bc it’s sorta obv to tell. Same with his ball-handling. I could tell when they were at UF that Noah & Horford were advanced ball-handlers/passers. All they did was improve in that area as pros. Sarr is an even better ball-handler than them at the same age. If he gets his wish & goes to DC people will see right from the jump that this kid can score the ball. Remember he did pretty much same thing vs G-League Ignite as Wembo did the previous yr
I don’t think he’s quite as good as all that, though I get what you’re angling for. Maybe “underdeveloped” was the wrong word. “Inconsistent” is probably more accurate. He has the tools to succeed, no question, but translating them to the NBA is a different question.
The issue I have is it’s easy to look good in weaker leagues but have growing pains in the NBA, at least at first. Sarr has upside out the wazoo, but he can’t get to it consistently. I have seen him play often; most of my focus has been on the international prospects this draft because so many were highly rated. He can score in the post, he can dominate the P&R, he can hit the 3, he can find cutters and shooters from the high post and set them up with a pass or find teammates in transition, which is very impressive for a big.
The thing is, all of those things come with caveats. The handle is there, but he mostly depends on his speed and agility to close with the hoop against unset defenders. The pullup and stop-and-go *are* fully underdeveloped, and that’s certain. Especially when it comes to quick changes of pace. He stops in a whirl of flailing limbs *frequently*. His 3pt shot looks smooth, but it’s also *slow*, both in terms of getting his feet set and his actual motion. At his height, it’s less of a problem, but that long windup can cause issues. He always knows the right player to pass to, which is impressive, but it’s not a huge part of his game and it shows; the passes themselves are kind of wild, especially in transition, and he’s not really trusted by coaches or teammates as a hub for playmaking. The highlights pop, for sure, but there’s a lot of… not quite fumbling, but incomplete work, in between the frequent brilliance.
All that said, I don’t *expect* him to flop on offense, just saying that if he *does*, the floor is still elite defense with enough offense to work. I can certainly see what you’re saying about KG and AD as comps. More the former than the latter (AD is much broader), but both are the right kind of comps for Sarr. It’s why I comped him to Evan Mobley, who himself got KG comps coming in. I expect a similar learning curve, but that’s not all bad. Mobley was a RoTY finalist and All-Defensive 1st teamer in second season (youngest ever until Wemby, ditto being the youngest DPOY finalist), and by year 3 he’s started to really become a fixture in the Cavs offense. Sarr being cut from the same mold is not even close to an insult.
Also, crushing the Ignite isn’t exactly impressive, lol. There’s a reason the NBA is discontinuing that program.
Ill agree with inconsistent but that’s definitely to be expected when he’s one of the youngest guys in the league playing stronger, older vets. LaMelo was even more inconsistent his yr in Australia. And the NBL isn’t what I would call a weak league. It’s a very tough league actually. And the G-League is also a tough league. It was a pretty big deal when Wembo had big games vs them, why is it different for Sarr?
Obv his game is a work in progress, he’s like 20yo. Ok his shot release not the quickest but that doesn’t really matter does it? What matters is that he’s gonna be able to shoot. He has to tighten his handle & his game overall but what’s important is that he has all-star potential, versatility, athleticism, length. That rare mix that makes an elite prospect. His set of tools is superior to everyone in the class outside of Isaiah Collier to me
Do you know why Sarr won’t workout for Hawks. Do you even CARE. This seems like an important issue to me. Explains alot about the Hawks incompetence.
I told you about him a yr ago, And you made fun of him cause you have Capela. Even though it makes perfect sense to trade Capela. But you rather flame than have an adult and intelligent discussion or argument……. Grow up lol.
You told me about Sarr a year ago? Lol obvious cap. I been watching him & Risacher since they were playing u17. Which if you’re a real one like you claim to be, you’d check out the upcoming u17 World Cup so that you can get a lil more knowledgeable about this stuff and stop spreading cap smh
If you want to have a real discussion about Sarr or the Hawks just chill and say what you wanna say without being weird and extra.
Kolek is a traditional PG who can shoot. Many teams can use that. Even as a backup.
“In 2023-24, Kolek averaged 15.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 7.7 assists, 0.2 blocks, and 1.6 steals per game. He shot 49.6 percent from the field, 38.8 percent from three, and 85.1 percent from the foul line.”
Knicks are looking at him. I don’t think he gets by Suns. I prefer Ware. I like McBride.
Yeah, the Suns could use him badly, even if it’s just as a shooter who can handle the ball off the bench. Having a guy to handle the backup minutes consistently would be a boon for them.
Suns need a real PG even a backup one. Kolek can help Suns. Not many you can trade for or sign. With their cap.
Hawks shouldn’t care what Alex Sarr wants. If he’s the best player this draft, he should be the pick; it’s cut and dry.
I am done with Capela. He is no longer good.
Agree about sarr, but Capela is still solid, overpaid yes but far from washed. Will likely be more effective transitioning to a bench role in the next year or two though
Wouldn’t mind Celtics to grab Bronny at 55. 1 pick before the lakers. Give the rivalry a little juice. Lebron vs Bronny LA vs Boston that might be the dream scenario for the NBA and it’s ratings collapse.
I actually see a mix of Avery Bradley and Gary Payton Jr in his game. High Iq who understands defense can keep you in the league for a longggg time. No reason not to think he won’t improve shooting wise. If it doesn’t work out people will flood to Maine to watch him play.
Wizards trade Kyle Kuzma, pick 26 and pick 51 plus a future second round pick for Nikola Vucevic and this years pick 11.
Wizards select Alex Sarr 2nd overall and then take the best point guard available at 11, which could be Dillingham, Carter or McCain.
Jones Poole Coulibaly Sarr Vuce
Dill/Cart/McCain Kispert Avidja Bagley ….
Listen to offers on Shamet
Jones playmaking, Pooles scoring, Coulibaky but of all round ability but needs developing, Sarr brings the defence and Vuce again all round ability and leadership.
Feel like it makes for a nicely balanced rebuilding team which means Washington won’t do it and probably reach for a guy like Matas Buzelis …
Imo I think Wash likes Risacher. But Sarr would make them better overnight. He’s an excellent pick for Wizards. I’m Wiz I’d love to have Sarr. In long run Risacher might be better. But he is 4-5 yrs away. Sarr can start next yr. And be in play for ROY. The right center is an extremely important decision.
Hawks are fools to pass on Sarr. But something seems broken there. Seems Sarr does not want Hawks. If so I would be taking offers. Plenty teams would want Sarr.
“Stefan Bondy: Ke’el Ware said he worked out for the Knicks on Monday. Thibs in attendance. It was a two-player workout with Hason Ward of Iowa State.”
I love this. Man I would be so lit and would also light up. If we could get Ware. Just don’t see it happening unless we trade up.
Dunn and Ware would be an excellent draft for Knicks, just unbelievable.
Terrrnce Shannon is a nice player. 23 yrs old ?? Has positional size. Could a starter or rotation piece. No way inHRLL he’s the #1 pick. We all know why Sankara is here pushing him. Just as bad as Fox and friends imo.
I’d love it if he fell to Knicks. Not sure Thibs takes him.
If Ware is on the board when the Knicks draft, he’s a lock. Woodson still has ties to the Knick FO, and is familiar with the profile they’re looking for. If Woodson didn’t like the kid for the NYK, I doubt there would have been a workout.
No feel for the other FRP, if they in fact they make two. Shannon fits though. His lack of ideal length might be why he falls to us.