James Piercey and Zackery Rogers break down the Atlanta Hawks' NBA Draft options at picks 8 and 23, the Jaylen Brown trade rumors, and the offseason ahead.
The Atlanta Hawks hold the eighth and 23rd picks in the June 23 NBA Draft, and the latest episode of the Hawks Roundtable Podcast takes an in-depth look at the team's options.
Hosts James Piercey and Zackery Rogers analyzed a guard-heavy class and a Hawks roster still in flux after trading Trae Young before the midseason deadline. Atlanta reached the playoffs despite moving on from Young, but the team must make moves to take the next step.
Rogers made the case for Louisville guard Mikel Brown Jr. using the eighth pick. The 6-foot-5 freshman averaged 18.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists, but a back injury ended his season and has since become a factor in his draft stock. Rogers highlighted Brown's size and shooting as a fit for this Hawks team that already has a lot of perimeter size and length.
"I actually like Mikel Brown," Rogers said. "I like his frame."
Piercey leaned toward Houston freshman Kingston Flemings, who averaged 16.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists. Flemings does not need the ball to make an impact, Piercey said, and can space the floor and defend on the other end.
"He can space the floor," Piercey said. "He's a great defender. He'll complement anybody that you put out there."
Illinois guard Keaton Wagler and Arkansas guard Darius Acuff Jr. were each discussed as alternative options with the eighth pick, along with Michigan center Aday Mara.
On the 23rd pick, both hosts leaned toward drafting for upside rather than addressing a short-term need. One option that stood out was Washington big man Hannes Steinbach to add a proficient big in pick-and-roll.
The hosts were cooler on the idea of trading for Boston Celtics forward Jaylen Brown, a frequent name in trade speculation and a Marietta, Georgia, native. Pairing another high-usage wing with Jalen Johnson would not solve Atlanta's needs, they said, with young players such as Dyson Daniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker still developing. Both cited Oklahoma City and San Antonio as recent contenders built mainly through the draft.
"I do not," Rogers said when asked whether Atlanta should pursue Brown, comparing the move to Phoenix Suns decisions that stalled a rising team.
When discussing the Hawks' roster ahead of some important offseason decisions, the contract outlook for CJ McCollum and Jonathan Kuminga's option were key focuses.
The full episode looks in depth at key prospects and determines whether Brown fits into Atlanta's roster-building plans.
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