The Atlanta Hawks have been steady regular-season performers in recent years, but their postseason results have told a different story. With another early exit in the play-in tournament and key veterans like Clint Capela, Caris LeVert and Larry Nance Jr. hitting free agency, the franchise may be poised for a shift in strategy.
Holding two first-round picks in the 2025 NBA Draft, the Hawks could look to retool around younger talent. In a recent USA Today mock draft, Atlanta is projected to select a 6’10” forward known for his elite finishing ability and long-term upside.
Hawks Predicted To Select Versatile French Forward at No. 13 in the 2025 NBA Draft
In USA Today’s latest NBA mock draft by Lorenzo Reyes, Jeff Zillgitt, and James Williams, the Hawks are projected to invest the No. 13 pick in French forward Noa Essengue, who is extremely versatile on both ends of the floor, playing more like a wing than a big man.
“The next forward with elite finishing ability to come out of France, Essengue figures to be more of a developmental prospect, but his size, instincts at the rim, and plus-defensive ability could make him a star if he bulks up,” USA Today wrote.
Noa Essengue measured 6’10” (barefoot), 203.9 lbs, 7’0¾” wingspan, 9’1¾” standing reach.
Elite tools for a modern potential 3-and-D forward. Question is can he develop enough skill to reach a Siakam or Jerami Grant-level ceiling?pic.twitter.com/MavRkqAUMA
– NetsKingdom 👑🗽 (@NetsKingdomAJ) June 13, 2025
Essengue is the second-youngest player in the draft behind Cooper Flagg, as he won’t turn 19 until mid-December. A bundle of athleticism, the Frenchman has the energy and versatility to eventually become a two-way weapon.
Essengue is still developing his handles, and this hampers his ability to score or create reliably. Still, his raw athleticism led to a very respectable 12.4 points per game and 5.3 rebounds per game for Ratiopharm Ulm in the EuroCup league this season. Essengue averaged 5.6 free-throw attempts per game as well (shooting 73% from the charity stripe), an impressive total for his age.
Essengue’s outside shot remains a work in progress, as he connected on just 29.4% of his three-point attempts while taking fewer than two per game. Still, his combination of size, defensive range, and finishing ability gives him a solid foundation to build on.
The bigger question is whether the Hawks can afford to invest in a long-term project with their top pick. With playoff expectations in place, Atlanta may prioritize a prospect who can make an immediate impact. That’s something Essengue may not offer out of the gate.
That could explain why PFSN’s Ian Cummings projects him landing with the Indiana Pacers, a team currently competing in the 2025 NBA Finals. In that same mock draft, Cummings has the Hawks selecting Cedric Coward, a polished forward who averaged 17.7 points and seven rebounds while shooting 40.0% from deep over six games in 2024.