Top Choices for Atlanta Hawks' 2025 NBA Draft at No. 13 Pick: Analyses and Prospects
The Atlanta Hawks are at a critical juncture, baby. After gracing the Eastern Conference Finals a handful of years back, the past seasons have been lackluster, to say the least. However, in 2025, there's a different vibe in the air. There's no more frantic panic or sugarcoated optimism. With two first-round picks up their sleeves, including the No. 13 selection, the Hawks are taking a calculated approach. They know they're not one superstar away from a championship hubcap. But smart roster moves this offseason could define Atlanta's hoops landscape for the upcoming half-decade.
Season Synopsis: Exactly One Step Sideways
The Hawks bowed out in the 2024-25 season with a record of 40-42. The Play-In Tournament was witnessed, but lost - once again sending the Hawks packing from the playoffs. Sure, the record hurt. But there were shining moments. Dyson Daniels became the first player in over 30 years to average three steals per contest. Zaccharie Risacher flashed scoring chops, and Jalen Johnson shattered his career-best stats before suffering an injury. Onyeka Okongwu, meanwhile, remained a defensive cornerstone. Despite improved individual performances, Atlanta's defense still lacked in crucial areas. Questions about Trae Young's long-term compatibility continue to loom large as the offseason approaches.
New general manager, Onsi Saleh, has left no doubts about the Hawks' ambition for a sustained run. The team seems to be moving away from a Trae-centric offense and heading toward a young, agile core fronted by Daniels, Risacher, Johnson, and Okongwu. All of them are 24 or younger and mostly team-controlled. Saleh's plan prioritizes cap flexibility, defense, and draft development. With this prime opportunity to add another key piece that aligns with this modern and lasting approach, let's dive into Atlanta's most promising options.
Option 1: Select Jase Richardson (PG/SG, Michigan State)
Richardson is a compelling late-lottery pick in the 2025 class. At 6'4 with a near-6'10 wingspan, Richardson shocked scouts by declaring after just one season. However, his breakout year couldn't be ignored. With averages of 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.3 three-pointers made per game, he showcased a versatile combo guard capable of playing on or off the ball.
What seals the deal for Richardson with Atlanta is his blend of intelligence, poise, and adaptability. He doesn't need the ball to be effective, but he can run offense when needed. Given the Hawks' future plans for Young, his skillset may be the missing puzzle piece. Richardson's defensive numbers mirror Daniels' aggressive tendencies, suggesting a formidable duo on the wings.
To be clear, Richardson isn't perfect. He lacks elite speed, and some scouts raise concerns about his ability to run an NBA offense full-time. Still, in Atlanta's evolving system, he could be the ideal fit.
Option 2: Select Collin Murray-Boyles (PF, South Carolina)
In search of grit, energy, and presence in the paint, consider Collin Murray-Boyles as the solution. The South Carolina forward stands out as a matchup challenge in the making. At 6'7, he may be undersized for a big man, but he boasts a powerful physique and relentless hustle. Murray-Boyles averaged 16.8 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 2024-25, barely scratching the surface of his potential.
Murray-Boyles emanates Atlanta's aesthetic: tough, versatile, and all about teamwork. His ability to guard multiple positions, move swiftly off the ball, and crash the glass with intensity complements Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu's defensive prowess. In fact, playing all three in a small-ball frontcourt could result in one of the most active defensive trios in the game.
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That said, his shooting remains a concern. Murray-Boyles has displayed glimpses of a face-up jumper but connected on just 23.1% of his threes and is still developing consistent long-range shot. With the growing emphasis on spacing in basketball, his shooting limitations restrict his adaptability.
Option 3: Select Nique Clifford (SF, Colorado State)
If the Hawks want a polished player who can step in and contribute immediately, Nique Clifford might be the most NBA-ready 3-and-D prospect available in this range. As a fifth-year senior who excelled at Colorado State, Clifford offers an appealing combination of length (6'6 with a 7'0 wingspan), perimeter defense, and sharp shooting.
Clifford doesn't pack flash. He won't deliver 20 points per outing or run pick-and-rolls. With that said, he'll defend opposing wings with vigor and attack the glass with intensity. In 2024-25, Clifford averaged 18.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and an impressive 37.7% from beyond the arc.
Clifford could fill the void left by inconsistent wing depth for the Hawks. With his mature demeanor, he could secure minutes off the bench or even challenge for a starting role in three-wing lineups.
Building Smartly, Not Chasing Stars
This year's No. 13 pick may not be flashy, but that doesn't make it insignificant. The Hawks don't require a savior. What they need is another impactful, sustainable contributor who aligns with the long-term vision of youth, defense, and versatility. Whether they opt for upside (Richardson), grit (Murray-Boyles), or instant impact (Clifford), the pick must reflect Atlanta's evolving identity.
The narrative surrounding Young's future will echo through the offseason. Still, the draft presents an opportunity to shift the conversation. They can move past the "What was Atlanta?" dialogue and instead focus on the "What could Atlanta become?" Saleh and the front office have a chance to mold a team that's not defined by one player but rather by a culture of cohesion, resilience, and adaptability.
The Eastern Conference window for contention is beginning to open. The No. 13 pick might not be the key to everything, but it's a vital piece that can alter everything. Let's find the perfect fit.
- As the NBA draft approaches, the Atlanta Hawks are poised to make a smart roster move that could define their hoops landscape for the upcoming years.
- Option 3, selecting Nique Clifford from Colorado State, could provide an instant impact player to fill the void left by inconsistent wing depth for the Hawks. Clifford, a fifth-year senior, offers length, perimeter defense, and sharp shooting.
- Moving past the dialogue surrounding Trae Young's future, the draft presents an opportunity for the Hawks to shift the conversation towards their evolving identity, focusing on cohesion, resilience, and adaptability. The Eastern Conference window for contention is opening, and the No. 13 pick could be a vital piece that alters everything.
