Hawks rumors: 2 guards Atlanta ‘loves’ at No. 8, with 1 giant catch appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Hawks have about two weeks left until the NBA Draft, and they’ll have the chance to select two players in the first round. With the No. 8 pick, there could be several options waiting for them at that spot, and in the latest ClutchPoints’ mock draft, Brett Siegel has them taking Keaton Wagler.
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Though the Hawks want to add guard depth to their team, they are also interested in taking a center.
“Both Wagler and Brown are two guards the Hawks love, sources said,” Siegel wrote. “Aday Mara is another player sources say the Hawks are high on, yet conversations with league personnel continue to point in the direction of Atlanta favoring a guard in this spot to secure their backcourt long-term rather than target Mara. Should the Hawks trade down a few spots, Mara would be the obvious choice.”
The Hawks could also look into the free agent market for a center, and the one name that has come up is Isaiah Hartenstein.
“Multiple avenues to add frontcourt depth will present themselves to the Hawks this offseason outside of this eighth pick and Mara, as sources say they plan on making a run at Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein should he have his team option declined and enter unrestricted free agency,” Siegel wrote. “It is also worth mentioning that the Hawks own the 23rd pick, where plenty of big men will be available near the end of the first round.”
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It was obvious that the Hawks need guard and center depth after their playoff exit, and the draft is the one place where they can fill both of those voids. The thing is, the Hawks will be going into the draft with a best player available mentality instead of addressing a particular need, as Onsi Saleh has noted several times regarding his philosophy.
Related: NBA rumors: Hawks to ‘make a run at’ Thunder free agent center, but there’s a catch
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