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Hawks Land Isaiah Collier and Ja'Kobe Walter In the Latest 2024 Mock Draft
Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports

The 2024 NBA All-Star Break is right around the corner and then the final push for the playoffs is going to commence in the league. 

But there has not been a lot of NBA Draft talk and that is for a couple of reasons. 1) This draft is perceived as being weaker compared to some drafts in recent years and you don't have an insane talent like Victor Wembanyama. 2) The Draft is still four months away. 

But, it is fair to start looking at the upcoming draft and wondering what the Hawks might do. Atlanta could possess as many as two first-round picks depending on if Sacramento makes the playoffs or not. 

Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman is one of the top NBA draft analysts out there and he released his new mock draft today, it had the Hawks taking a pair of intriguing prospects, including one prospect who used to be mocked at the top of drafts. 

With the 10th pick, Wasserman has the Hawks taking Baylor guard Ja'Kobe Walter, a 6'5 195 LBS prospect. Here is what he had to say about the potential of the Hawks taking Walter: 

"Ja'Kobe Walter was convincing enough through two months to afford the current slump he's in. Scouts still see an NBA shot-maker with promising defensive tools.

The real questions here focus on his lack of creation, playmaking and versatility. It reduces his margin for error as a shooter, and he's only made 23.7 percent of his threes over Baylor's last 10 games.

NBA teams still figure to value the made shots and eye test over the percentages. Walter is still averaging 2.0 threes per game, drilling jumpers off spot-ups and movement and showing the ability to attack through contact or use floaters."

With the 19th pick (the Kings pick), Wasserman has the Hawks taking USC point guard Isaiah Collier. Here is what Wasserman had to say about Collier being mocked to Atlanta: 

"After missing nearly a month, Isaiah Collier returned to draw 31 free-throw attempts in his first two games back. It sums up his style, elusiveness and physicality.

From an NBA scouting standpoint, his most coveted strength is his ability to put pressure on the defense with shifty ball-handling, quickness and power. Scouts just have concerns over how his limited shooting range and decision-making will affect his value as a ball-dominant guard. 

Collier figures to start his career as a backup, playing to his strengths as a driver and playmaker while he works on his jumper and learns to read the game."

Follow Jackson on X here: @jacksoncauell

Follow Hawks coverage on Facebook here: All Hawks

This article first appeared on Atlanta Hawks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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