Hawks Expected To ‘Cast Wide Net’ Involving Options With No. 1 Pick

So head of basketball operations Landry Fields and the rest of the front office getting to work, exploring their options, and perhaps contemplating trades. Or perhaps they’ll just keep the pick, keep Trae Young and Dejounte Murray (despite the rumors), and just fill in around the edges.

Again, the possibilities are endless.

While there’s no clear-cut favorite to go No. 1 overall this year, there are several prospects in play. The list includes French forward Zaccharie Risacher, French center Alexandre Sarr, or maybe even Kentucky guard Reed Sheppard.

“This draft is wide open, reminds me a lot of 2013, where I don’t believe we’re gonna know who the No. 1 pick is going to be until (NBA commissioner) Adam Silver steps to the podium and announces the pick,” draft insider Jonathan Givony of ESPN said from the Combine in Chicago.

“The Atlanta Hawks have a long process in front of them that includes interviews, medicals, workouts, background checks. I believe that they’re going to cast a wide net with guys like Alex Sarr, Zaccharie Risacher, Reed Sheppard, (Kentucky point guard) Rob Dillingham, (UConn center) Donovan Clingan. Those guys will be in the mix and I think it’s gonna be quite a process here for them to figure out who they’re going to take.”

Meanwhile, the Young and Murray chatter just won’t die.

“There’s a widespread belief among rival executives that the Hawks will break up their backcourt and part with either Trae Young or Dejounte Murray this offseason,” wrote Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. “In years past, there was strong resistance to moving Young, but rival executives believe Atlanta will be more open to that conversation this offseason than ever before.”