Are the Hawks About to Draft the Next Domantas Sabonis?
Could the Atlanta Hawks land a low-key superstar in this year’s draft? One with the potential to anchor the second unit and help land a future Hall-of-Famer?
Let’s talk about Derik Queen—a skilled big out of Maryland who’s drawing early comparisons to Domantas Sabonis and Zach Randolph. If he falls to pick No. 13, the Hawks might be getting a massive steal.
👀 Who Is Derik Queen?
Derik Queen had an incredibly productive freshman year at Maryland, averaging:
16.5 PPG
9 RPG
1 BPG
He's not a flashy, above-the-rim athlete—but that’s not his game. Instead, he’s a skilled, physical post presence with a high basketball IQ and a knack for facilitating offense from the low block.
NBA Combine Concerns
Here’s where things get tricky:
Height: 6’9” (barefoot)
Weight: 247 lbs
Wingspan: 7’0”
Vertical & agility: Underwhelming
His combine results have caused his draft stock to slide. But don't let the lack of hops fool you—Queen is an offensive engine in the mold of Sabonis. He doesn’t need to jump out the gym to dominate.
🧠 How He Fits in Atlanta
Here’s the case for Queen in Atlanta:
✅ Initiates Offense: The Hawks' second unit struggled to generate offense. Queen can serve as a low-post facilitator, creating open looks for slashers and shooters.
✅ Skilled in Halfcourt Sets: When things slow down in the playoffs, having a reliable halfcourt option is gold.
✅ Complementary Fit: He’s not stepping on the toes of Trae Young or Zaccharie Risacher. Instead, he fits as a versatile, high-IQ big who can play off those guys.
BUT…
There’s a logjam at the 4/5 with Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu, and Queen’s fit alongside both might be clunky.
🔄 The Bigger Picture: Giannis?
Here’s where things get wild:
If the Hawks make a blockbuster move for Giannis Antetokounmpo—which many insiders say they’re equipped to do—Derik Queen could be the perfect complementary piece.
Think about it:
Giannis = elite rim runner, defender, transition beast
Queen = halfcourt scorer, passer, floor-settler
That combo could be nasty. If Atlanta trades Jalen Johnson or Okongwu in a Giannis deal, Queen slides right into the power forward spot—bringing balance to an elite frontcourt.
🚨 Why Queen at No. 13 Is a Steal
Because of his draft combine performance, Queen is slipping out of the lottery in some mocks. But the production speaks for itself, and Atlanta has met with him already—they’re interested.
Derik Queen isn’t a gamble. He’s a win-now contributor who could grow into a foundational piece. If he’s available at 13, and Atlanta’s front office wants skill, toughness, and playoff-style basketball—this is your guy.
📣 Final Thoughts
The Hawks have a chance to grab a player who might not wow you in warmups, but will flat-out produce when the lights come on. Whether he's the next Sabonis or a future trade chip in a Giannis pursuit, Derik Queen is worth the bet.
Derik Queen to the ATL? Don’t rule it out.
And if it happens… remember where you heard it first.
👇 Drop your take in the comments:
Should the Hawks draft Queen at 13?
Or swing for a different prospect?
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If you enjoyed this breakdown, be sure to check out our other draft deep dives and Hawks offseason rumors.
As always…
#TrueToAtlanta 🔴⚫🟡
