Assuming Ayton and Bagley are foregone conclusions, the draft really starts at No.3, where the Hawks are reportedly shuffling between Jaren Jackson Jr. and Doncic, with the latter gaining steam. After leading Real Madrid to the ACB title, Doncic should be the favorite here.
At 6-foot-8, Doncic is the best offensive prospect in the draft. With dynamic handles, NBA range and unreal vision, the 19-year-old can shred defenses in the pick-and-roll. What he lacks in elite athleticism, he makes up for it with craft and basketball I.Q.
The Hawks seem prepared to move past the Dennis Schroder era, meaning they’ll need a primary facilitator and an offensive identity. Doncic checks both boxes, giving Lloyd Pierce an elite facilitator to build an up-tempo attack around.