As the Atlanta Hawks prepare for a defining offseason, speculation is mounting about Trae Young’s future and the team’s draft strategy. Internal discussions reportedly center on the cost of committing long-term to Young, who is eligible for another max extension.
Since his arrival, the franchise has struggled to build a consistently successful roster, aside from their 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance that helped secure his rookie max extension. Holding the No. 13 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, several mock drafts project Atlanta to target Washington State standout Cedric Coward.
Cedric Coward Emerges as Hawks’ Top Target at No. 13 in 2025 NBA Draft
As the Hawks approach the 2025 NBA Draft with two first-round picks—Nos. 13 and 22—they’re reportedly considering Coward as a potential selection at No. 13. Coward, a versatile guard who averaged 17.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game before a season-ending labrum injury, has seen his draft stock climb sharply thanks to strong on-court production and elite physical metrics.
Atlanta remains a franchise in flux. As The Ringer noted, the lack of a strong trade market for Young may force the Hawks to prioritize immediate contributors. Coward’s combination of current value and long-term upside may be exactly what Atlanta needs to navigate an uncertain future.
Cedric Coward’s blend of touch and lower-body flexibility is phenomenal. Able to get low, decelerate, and carve out space for his jumper while staying on-balance. He finished a blistering 58.6% of his non-rim 2-pointers over his college career (51/87). pic.twitter.com/FvhPbgwlUi
— Will Morris (@w_a_morris) May 20, 2025
Despite playing only six games this past season, Coward shot 40 percent from deep on five attempts per game. His statistical efficiency was further underscored by a 70% true shooting percentage.
Scouts are drawn to his physical makeup: at the NBA Combine, Coward measured 6-foot-5.25 and 213 pounds with a 7-foot-2.3-inch wingspan and an 8-foot-10 standing reach—both marks ranking among the best for guards and top-eight overall out of 75 participants.
He’s viewed as a wing with developing tools, and as J. Kyle Mann of The Ringer noted, he possesses “a capital-T-shaped frame” and moves with fluidity—attributes that suggest a natural NBA fit. The real question remains whether he can consistently turn those tools into functional skills at the next level.
Coward also posted impressive athletic results, running the three-quarter court sprint in 3.06 seconds and recording a 32.5-inch standing vertical leap. These traits speak to his ability to finish in transition and contest plays defensively.
His offensive consistency has been evident over time. Coward shot 39.4% and 38.3% from three during his sophomore and junior seasons at Eastern Washington.
At the combine, he went 23-of-30 in off-dribble shooting drills (tied for third overall), 18-of-25 on spot-up shots (tied for second), and 17-of-25 in the 3-point star drill (also tied for second). His perimeter shooting profile makes him a solid floor spacer, an asset for any team looking to build around a high-usage lead guard like Trae Young.
