5 Prospects Atlanta Hawks desperately need to consider in 2023 NBA Draft

G Cason Wallace (Kentucky)

Cason Wallace is arguably the best defender in the draft and would fill a major need for the Hawks on that end.

Wallace averaged 11.7 points, 3.7 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 2.0 steals per game in his lone season in Lexington. He shot 44.6% from the field, although he hit just 34.6% of his 3-pointers.

The 3-point shot will need to be something Wallace improves on at the next level, as will his mid-range jumper. However, he is still a quality offensive player with a lot of potential to grow on that end.

Wallace split time playing on-ball and off-ball at Kentucky. It will be interesting to see what role the Hawks would want him to play. It wouldn’t surprise me if the Hawks mainly play Wallace off-ball (either alongside Young or alongside Murray), and then allow him to run point in the few minutes every game that neither Young nor Murray are on the court.

I think Wallace would fit in nicely for the Hawks and could make a quick impact in ATL’s rotation due to his defensive abilities (especially on a team that struggled mightily on that end of the court last season).

The Hawks are also bringing in Wallace for a late pre-draft workout before the draft. Wallace had previously shockingly canceled a workout with the Hawks a couple of weeks ago, but it appears that the Hawks are eventually getting him in to see him up close.

Some recent mocks have had the Hawks being able to stay put at No. 15 to land Wallace, but he might also be a guy that they have to move up into the lottery to get.