Hawks Once Again Linked To High Upside Prospect In Latest 2024 NBA Mock Draft

The Atlanta Hawks are in the draft lottey for the first time since the 2020 draft and while they don't know where they are picking just yet (draft lottery is not until May 12th), there is a good chance that they end up picking at 10th. Atlanta has a 13.9% chance of moving into the top four and a 3% chance of getting the No. 1 overall pick.

In several mock drafts over the past couple of months, the Hawks have been linked to G-League Ignite forward Matas Buzelis and that was the case today in Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman's newest mock draft:

"Pro Comparison: Hedo Türkoğlu

Matas Buzelis' G League reel highlights a coveted mix of big-wing size and scoring versatility from on and off the ball. His physical tools and perimeter skill set create an enticing archetype that could sway teams to reach and remain patient in spite of his inconsistency.

Regarding his shooting, he'll have workouts to convince teams that his high school percentages were better indicators of his potential than his disappointing 27.3 three-point percentage with Ignite."

I think this would be a solid pick and I have Buzelis as No. 2 on my big board for the Hawks. The Hawks are a team that needs size at the forward positions and that is something that Buzelis provides. The biggest question about him right now is about his shooting. Before this season, he was shooting the ball well, but he only shot 27% this season for Ignite. There is a chance that Buzelis will be not there if the Hawks end up picking at No. 10, but this draft is going to be unpredictable in terms of where players could land. There is not a consensus top pick yet and this is considered a weak draft overall.

Here is a scouting report on Buzelis from The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor:

PLUSES

MINUSES