Jan 28, 2025; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) grabs a rebound between South Carolina Gamecocks guard Zachary Davis (2) and forward Nick Pringle (5) during the second half at Stegeman Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

'He’s an Unbelievable Competitor' – Atlanta Hawks GM Explains Why Asa Newell is the Best Fit for the Team

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 27, 2025 12:48 PM ET

The Atlanta Hawks traded their 13th overall pick to the New Orleans Pelicans for the 23rd pick and a 2026 first-rounder. With the No. 23 pick, they selected Asa Newell from Georgia.

Atlanta Hawks general manager Onsi Saleh is particularly amped about Newell because he feels that the Georgia Bulldog big helps with the culture they’re trying to build.

“He plays hard as hell,” Saleh said about Newell in the post-draft presser. “If you watch him play or get up and down the court, screening, his intelligence, spacing, and respacing. The things that he does impact winning. People could just look at scoring and box score stuff, but the guy helps with winning and creating a culture of winning for your program.”

Feb 22, 2025; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Auburn Tigers forward Johni Broome (4) is pressured by Georgia Bulldogs forward Asa Newell (14) during the first half at Neville Arena. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images

“Asa is unbelievable. With where the league is going, people with size and athleticism like that just make sense,” he continued. “He’s a great screener, a great human being, a ridiculous athlete, and a really smart player, too. He is an unbelievable competitor and does things that impact winning.”

Atlanta Hawks sign Jalen Johnson’s undrafted younger brother

After drafting Asa Newell, the Atlanta Hawks proceeded to sign UCLA’s Kobe Johnson to reunite him with his older brother Jalen. The younger Johnson is a three-time All-Defensive team member in the Pac-12 and Big Ten.

2016 Champion Hypes Hawks' Forward; Believes He Earned the MIP Award: Nov 1, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) is defended by Sacramento Kings forward Domantas Sabonis (11) and forward Keegan Murray (13) in the third quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

In his final year at UCLA, Johnson averaged 7.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.6 steals across 34 games. He has built a reputation as one of the nation’s most versatile defenders.

In other news, the Atlanta Hawks also signed Real Madrid’s Eli John Ndiaye to a two-way contract, per ESPN’s Shams Charania.