Nobody wants the top pick

Zach Edey is ready to roll

I just thought we’d hear more by now outta Atlanta.

The NBA draft is today, the Hawks still have the No. 1 pick. We’ve heard nothing about Trae Young’s future with his Hawks, little about Dejounte Murray’s immutability in ATL, precious little about trading partners seeking Clint Capela deals.

The lottery was weeks ago, I understand this remains a weak draft but the Hawks have like seven general managers, all with itchy instincts to turn into a “source close to the situation,” yet we’ve heard nothing. They might go for a so-so small forward. Or the 20-minute per game center. Or the 7-foot defender who can’t do much else. Or someone from — shuddershuddershudder — the G-League Ignite.

We should be long past the idea that the 2024 No. 1 overall pick shouldn’t be judged against the previous top picks, but when the best minds in basketball can’t get past it, what hope do us punters have? At this point in the contest it has become clear that no other team fancies a player in this draft enough to give up an asset and move into Atlanta’s spot.

Why would they? If Clingan is capable, why construct an unwieldy trade simply to connive a few draft spots out of the Hawks, when he appears to be nearly as available to trade for a few spots down?

2024 MOCK DRAFT

I already told you, I’d trade each of the picks.

2024 FAKE DRAFT

New idea. Pretend trades are barred, each team has to keep the pick. The Hawks are on the clock.