The Atlanta Hawks did quite a lot of maneuvering throughout final yr’s NBA Draft and it led to them touchdown the New Orleans Pelicans’ unprotected first-round decide this yr in a loaded draft class.
With San Antonio proudly owning Atlanta’s first, because of the Dejounte Murray commerce, it was an enormous win for the Hawks to land a first-round decide on this season. With the group additionally buying and selling away Trae Younger to the Wizards, it signaled that they have been prepared for a mini-rebuild round Jalen Johnson.
Atlanta has been teetering on the play-in line all season out East, whereas New Orleans has struggled mightily out West. With nearly a month left within the season, the Hawks have been hoping for one consequence with that Pelicans decide, however they could not get it.
Atlanta is hoping for New Orleans’ decide to be first total, however these odds have sunk currently
Early on within the season, it seemed just like the Hawks have been on a collision course to have nice odds for the primary total decide, because the Pelicans limped by the primary a part of the season and have been among the many worst groups in basketball. Since then although, issues have modified.
The Pelicans have been enjoying loads higher basketball lately. They’re 9-6 of their final 15 video games, together with a 7-5 mark for the reason that All-Star break.
A part of New Orleans’ current success has been the play of Zion Williamson and Trey Murphy, two gamers the group sees as the important thing to their future.
As well as, the Pelicans have additionally had significantly better well being luck. Williamson appeared in a career-high 35 straight video games, an indication that his well being could possibly be turning round. He has additionally performed in 51 whole video games this yr, probably the most he has performed for the reason that 2023-24 season.
Because of their current surge, New Orleans’ unlikely to clinch the worst document within the NBA anymore. That spot will probably belong to the Pacers, Wizards or Kings, who’re a mixed 4-26 over their final 30 video games. Based on tankathon.com, the Pelicans solely have a 9 p.c probability at getting the primary total decide.
This places a wrench in Atlanta’s plans, as they may have had even higher odds of touchdown a franchise game-changer like Darryn Peterson, AJ Dybantsa, or Cameron Boozer. Fortuitously for them, the draft is wealthy with expertise, so the Hawks will probably land a difference-maker inside the highest 5 or seven it doesn’t matter what. So their plan isn’t fully foiled.
