In a development no one expected, the Atlanta Hawks secured the number one NBA 2024 Draft pick this afternoon, giving the team the chance to add a potential game-changer to its roster.
NUMBER 1 PICK IN THE 2024 NBA DRAFT!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/A9GtuUq38u
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) May 12, 2024
Credit: Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks defied 3% odds of getting the first-round pick after finishing 10th in the NBA Eastern Conference with a previous season record of 36-46. Only four teams in NBA history won the lottery with less odds than the Hawks. The lowest odds in history was from the Orlando Magic in 1993, with only 1.52% chance of landing the top pick. Few NBA observers had the Hawks a contender for the top five, let alone number one. The last time the Hawks won the top pick in the NBA Draft was in 1975.
The unexpected top pick affords the Hawks a golden opportunity to improve its roster, which many critics say could use better defense. Some early mock drafts have identified Alex Sarr (PF/C) from Perth as an early favorite.
“Atlanta has a chance to add a difference-maker at the center sport who can serve as an anchor on defense and help erase deficiencies for a Hawks team that lacks star power in the frontcourt,” said CBS Sports writer Kyle Boone in his mock draft.
Another option for the Hawks is to trade the #1 pick to a team that has a player the Hawks feel is more compelling to the team.
NBA OFF SZN Bouts To Be Crazyyyyyy!!!! Lol 👀😅🍿
— Dejounte Murray (@DejounteMurray) May 12, 2024
The Hawks are happy to be able to make such a choice this year.
“It’s a significant part of any team building strategy,” said Atlanta Hawks general manager Landry Fields. “It’s exciting to continue building what we have.”
Here are the top 10 picks in this year’s NBA Draft Lottery
- Atlanta Hawks
- Washington Wizards
- Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets)
- San Antonio Spurs
- Detroit Pistons
- Charlotte Hornets
- Portland Blazers
- San Antonio Spurs (via Toronto Raptors)
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Utah Jazz
The 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, 2024.