Atlanta Hawks Are Big Winners in the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery – Here’s Why
et’s not bury the lede—the Atlanta Hawks just pulled off one of the most favorable NBA Draft Lottery outcomes in franchise history, and not enough people are talking about it!
While all eyes were on Dallas landing the No. 1 pick (with less than a 2% chance, mind you), the Hawks quietly walked away with two first-round picks—and not just any two, but the best possible combination they could’ve hoped for. Here’s how it all went down, and what it means moving forward.
Recapping the Lottery Luck 🍀
Last night’s NBA Draft Lottery gave us chaos, surprises, and a boatload of speculation—but for the Hawks, it delivered clarity and opportunity.
Let’s set the stage:
The Hawks lost their own first-rounder (due to the Dejounte Murray trade with the Spurs), which turned out to be the 14th overall pick. That could’ve been devastating if it ended up top-5, but nope—14th. That’s a win.
The Lakers pick, which the Hawks now own, landed at 22nd overall. Not only did they get it, but thanks to a tiebreaker, they got the best possible pick out of the 22-24 range.
The Sacramento Kings pick came through with a 13th overall selection, just as the odds predicted (92% chance). Still, after what happened with Dallas, nothing felt guaranteed—so this was huge.
Two First-Round Picks. Let That Sink In.
Atlanta didn’t just get a pick—they got TWO. In a deep draft. With flexibility.
That opens up a world of possibilities:
1. Draft Two Impact Players
This draft has been praised for its depth. The Hawks could walk away with two NBA-ready contributors or developmental guys with high ceilings. Think rotation changers, not just end-of-bench bodies.
2. Package to Move Up
If there’s a guy they love in the top 7 or 8, they have the ammo to go get him. Two mid-to-late first-round picks can absolutely move the needle in a trade-up scenario.
3. Trade for a Star
Let’s go big for a second. Kevin Durant? Karl-Anthony Towns? (We’re dreaming a little here, but hey, it’s the offseason.) The Hawks now hold one of the few war chests that could tempt another team into a blockbuster deal.
4. Depth + Options = Leverage
Whether they use the picks or trade them, the Hawks now have leverage—and that’s something they were sorely lacking. This draft could be a turning point.
So… What Now?
First, celebrate. This is best-case-scenario stuff for Atlanta.
Second, let’s be real—the Hawks need to nail this. With a new front office direction and key roster questions (Trae Young’s future, anyone?), this is a moment of truth. Two picks = two chances to shift the future.
And look—we know the headlines will keep talking about Dallas and Cooper Flagg. That’s fine. Let them. But when we look back a year or two from now, don’t be surprised if we’re pointing to this draft as the true turning point for the Hawks.
Final Word
The Atlanta Hawks might not have landed the #1 pick—but they walked away with exactly what they needed. Two top-22 picks. Full flexibility. And a clear path to reshape the roster.
Now it’s time to cash in.
Drop a comment below—who do you want the Hawks to target at 13 or 22? Should they trade up? Package the picks? Let’s hear it.
And as always—Let’s Go Hawks!
