NBA Draft: 5 electric storylines to watch

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The NBA Draft kicks off Wednesday night in Brooklyn, New York, and unlike years’ past, there is a lot going on. Teams are working overtime trying to figure out what other teams are doing and what possible trades are on the table, moving up or down the draft board.

The Atlanta Hawks are still considering options at No. 1, even with one of their top targets (Alex Sarr) refusing to come in for a workout and meet with the organization. The ripple effect that will take place with decisions at picks Nos. 1, 3 and 5 will throw the first night of the draft into chaos with uncertainty expected all across the board.

On the second night, Bronny James is expected to be picked by the Lakers at No. 55, but what happens during the first round could lead to some surprises in Round 2. Players projected in the first round could fall to the second round.

Here’s a look at five main storylines to watch heading into the NBA Draft on June 26-27.

Alex Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher could be the top two picks in this year’s draft. (Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust)

What will the Atlanta Hawks do at No. 1?

There are three players on the board for the Hawks with the No. 1 overall pick: Zaccharie Risacher, Donovan Clingan and Alex Sarr. Risacher is favored to go No. 1 with his upside as a 6-foot-9 wing who can create shots along the perimeter. Clingan is a dark horse for No. 1 but is gaining traction with his long-term potential as a starting NBA center who can protect the rim on defense and become a pick-and-roll threat on offense. Sarr, a 7-foot-1 French center, elected to only work out for the Washington Wizards and favors being more of a 4 instead of the main big man to anchor a defense.

The Hawks aren’t against taking Sarr at No. 1 even though he hasn’t come in for a workout. But they’ll likely take Risacher or Clingan, or entertain trade talks with the Spurs, who hold the No. 4 and No. 8 picks and have future trade assets that could be valuable for the Hawks if they decide to blow up the team and rebuild.

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The domino effect that could take place with one trade or…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/nba-draft-5-electric-storylines-to-watch-180949143.html

Author : Yahoo Sports

Publish date : 2024-06-25 18:09:49

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