Hawks Linked To Quentin Coleman At No. 7 In 2027 NBA Mock Draft

The 2026-27 NBA season is nearly underway, but some Atlanta Hawks fans are already thinking about the 2027 NBA Draft. If they're plugged in, they know that the Game Theory Podcast's Sam Vecenie just released his first mock draft. He's got the Hawks selecting combo guard Quentin Coleman with the seventh overall selection.

All the usual caveats apply here. This pick is coming via the least favorable selection between the Milwaukee Bucks and New Orleans Pelicans. The former are almost certainly lottery-bound. The latter likely are as well, although it feels like the Pelicans are still in win-now mode.

It's quite likely that the Hawks will be gifted a lottery pick next summer.

But is Coleman the right choice?

It depends on your perspective.

Some will suggest that Coleman is the perfect fit. The 6-foot-4 Illinois guard possesses virtually every skill you want in a backcourt player. He's a fantastic off-ball mover and shooter, and his handle is strong enough to make on-ball plays as well. Coleman isn't exceptionally athletic, but he's quick enough to get to his spot.

Any concerns about drafting Coleman won't be about his basketball ability. They'll be about his fit with this roster. Even those concerns will be dismissed by some.

In theory, Coleman is the exact type of shot creator this team needs.

But the concern is about him stepping on Kingston Flemings' toes.

There's a bit of tension in drafting sub-6-foot-5 guards in the lottery in consecutive drafts. If Flemings has a promising 2026-27 season, the Hawks may look to bolster their frontcourt in the 2027 NBA Draft.

On the other hand...

Firstly, many will argue that you always draft the best player available. If Flemings and Coleman are both good but can't coexist, you have the option to move one or the other.

Yet, they aren't necessarily a poor fit, either. Despite his 6-foot-3 wingspan, Flemings manages to be an impactful defender. Some of the "small backcourt" concerns this duo could pose could be mitigated by his ability on that end of the floor.

Perhaps most importantly: The Hawks need a long-term CJ McCollum replacement. They need a guard who can score in the half-court and bend opposing defenses. Coleman is that type of player.

It's early. The Hawks shouldn't be committed to any prospect at this juncture. That said, they should be thinking about it, and Coleman should absolutely be on their radar.

Even if they're more focused on the 2026-27 NBA season.