Asa Newell Might Be the Steal of the Draft- Summer League Breakdown
The Hawks’ Sneaky Steal at 23
What if I told you the Atlanta Hawks may have pulled off one of the biggest steals of the 2025 NBA Draft? Yep, we’re talking about Asa Newell — the 23rd overall pick who’s making serious noise in Las Vegas Summer League.
This former Georgia standout didn’t come in with top-10 hype, but from what we’ve seen so far? He’s outplaying plenty of guys drafted ahead of him.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Let’s talk about the eye test and the stats:
Game 1 vs. the Miami Heat
8 points
8 rebounds
2 assists
1 three-pointer made
Not flashy, but rock-solid. His rotations were sharp. His defensive presence was undeniable. Asa looked like he belonged.
Game 2 vs. the Phoenix Suns
18 points
11 rebounds
4-of-5 from three
This was the breakout. The jumper looked smooth. The confidence was on full display. A 6’11” forward knocking down shots and crashing the glass? That’s gold.
Game 3 vs. the Houston Rockets
14 points
6 rebounds
He didn’t match the explosion from Game 2, but Asa continued to look comfortable and effective. The tools are there, and the consistency is what’s starting to show.
A Draft-Day Masterclass
Let’s not forget: the Hawks didn’t just luck into this. They traded down in the draft, picked Asa at 23, and snagged an extra unprotected first-round pick. That’s front office wizardry from Onsi Saleh and company.
You get a long, athletic, high-IQ forward who fits the modern NBA — and you add another premium draft asset. That’s how you win on draft night.
Where Does Asa Fit?
So what’s the plan? Realistically, Asa might not crack the Hawks’ regular season rotation immediately. He’s got Kristaps Porzingis and Jalen Johnson ahead of him. But that’s actually a good thing.
There’s no rush. He can develop in the G League with the College Park Skyhawks, get reps, polish his game, and come back even better. And with the Hawks building a serious core, having someone like Asa developing behind the scenes is a major win.
The Mindset That Matters
Here’s what Asa said after his breakout: “I want to be MVP of Summer League. That’s my main goal.” Say what you want — but that’s the kind of drive fans love to see.
Final Thoughts
The Hawks didn’t just draft a role player — they found a potential two-way weapon who’s already flashing real upside. Asa Newell is balling out, and Atlanta might’ve just found the future of their frontcourt.
What do you think — should Asa get minutes this year or take his time to develop in College Park?
