The Atlanta Hawks appear to be drawing inspiration from how the Dallas Mavericks reached the NBA Finals with Luka Dončić, which is to try surrounding their offensive star, Trae Young, with tough, versatile defense. For Atlanta, that means that, alongside wings on the perimeter, they also need reliable interior presence.
With Clint Capela set to enter free agency, the Hawks could soon be left with a major void at center. Atlanta appears to be convinced he will depart, and the team is even rumored to be looking to trade up in the 2025 NBA Draft to select his replacement.
However, in Kevin O’Connor’s latest mock draft, Atlanta stays put and lands a strong pick-and-roll option who fits well next to Young.
Hawks Projected to Target French Center Joan Beringer With No. 13 Pick
The Hawks’ biggest weakness in recent years has been their inconsistent defense, and while Most Improved Player Dyson Daniels rose to the occasion this season, more help is needed. Even if Capela somehow returns, he is 31 and beginning to slow down, making the need for a versatile defender even more critical.
“League sources say the Hawks are looking to move way up from this pick and have called teams even drafting in the top five,” O’Connor wrote in his latest mock draft for Yahoo Sports. “They are targeting a center.”
Khaman Maluach, Asa Newell, and Derik Queen are among the top centers in this draft class, and none of them is likely to be available when the Hawks pick at No. 13. That is the reason they could be looking to trade up. If they don’t find a suitable partner, O’Connor believes Joan Beringer would be their likely choice.
“If they stay put, it only makes sense to give them Beringer, the best lob threat remaining on the board,” O’Connor added. “Beringer began playing basketball only three years ago, which makes him a raw project, but also makes his natural talents all the more impressive. He is a center, but has the quickness of a guard, giving him immense defensive versatility to build on for years to come.”
Measuring at just under 6’10”, Beringer is a highly athletic rim-running big man who currently thrives on defense as a switchable presence with the ability to guard the perimeter.
Beringer’s Statistical Profile and International Experience
Beringer has suited up in 64 outings with Cedevita Olimpija across the ABA League, EuroCup, Slovenian SKL, and Slovenian Spar Cup this season. He is averaging 5.4 points, 4.9 rebounds, 0.5 assists, 0.5 steals, and 1.4 blocks per game, shooting 64.4% from the field in just 18.8 minutes a night.
Joan Beringer is raw, he’s toolsy, and he might just be the most intriguing defensive prospect in the 2025 NBA Draft class.
At 7’0″ in shoes with a stupid 7’4.5″ wingspan, Beringer swallows up space like a vacuum—fluid, long, and annoying to deal with on the perimeter. The… pic.twitter.com/8WCyzYzk2m
– NBA Draft Dude 🤙 (@CoreyTulaba) June 22, 2025
However, as his production suggests, Beringer is one of the rawest prospects in the whole draft. The French center just started playing basketball three years ago after outgrowing soccer, and while he brings immense long-term upside, the Hawks might prefer someone who can immediately contribute.
As a result, PFSN’s Brandon Austin predicts the Hawks could target BYU guard Egor Demin with the No. 13 pick. He also predicts Beringer could slide out of the first round, landing at No. 31 overall with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
