The Atlanta Hawks enter the 2024 NBA Draft with a rare combination of playoff experience and high-lottery positioning. They hold the No. 8 and No. 23 selections in the first round and a No. 57 pick in the second round, making them the only playoff team with a top-ten pick and one of only two playoff clubs with a lottery asset. That draft capital gives the organization a clear chance to address its most glaring roster deficiency.

Atlanta’s biggest need is size and protection in the paint. The team finished the season without a true interior anchor, and the coaching staff under Quin Snyder has repeatedly emphasized the need to add multiple centers. The lack of a defensive-oriented big has left the Hawks vulnerable on rebounding and rim protection, a shortfall that has limited their ability to compete against teams with stronger frontcourt depth.

One prospect that consistently surfaces in Hawks discussions is Michigan center Aday Mara. Standing 7-feet-3 inches with an extended wingspan, Mara possesses the rim-protecting instincts and passing ability that Snyder valued in his former Utah players, most notably Rudy Gobert. Mara’s defensive presence, rebounding prowess, and ability to facilitate from the post align with the Hawks’ desire for a paint-protecting center who can thrive in Snyder’s system.

While the No. 8 pick offers a direct route to a player like Mara, the front office has indicated a willingness to explore alternative strategies. Trading down from the No. 8 slot could generate additional assets, allowing the Hawks to either retain the No. 23 pick or acquire future picks for further roster building. Simultaneously, free-agency options remain viable for adding interior depth, giving Atlanta flexibility to address its needs without relying solely on the draft.

The draft itself will unfold over two days, with the first round slated for June 26 and the second round on June 27. How the Hawks choose to allocate the No. 8 selection, whether by selecting a high-upside big, trading the pick, or targeting a different positional need, will set the tone for their offseason. Securing a reliable interior defender and rebounder is essential if the Hawks hope to translate their playoff appearance into sustained contention in the Eastern Conference.