Atlanta Hawks GM Landry Fields Firm on Keeping No. 1 NBA Draft Pick Amid Trade Interest
Atlanta Hawks General Manager Landry Fields is fielding trade inquiries but remains steadfast in his intention to retain the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NBA draft, scheduled for June 26.
“We’re really excited by the draft,” Fields stated on Monday, emphasizing his commitment to the top selection despite ongoing discussions with other teams. “I keep joking around like I’m not giving it back.”
The Hawks, despite entering the draft lottery with only a 3% chance, secured the coveted first pick after finishing 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 36-46 record.
Fields expressed continued enthusiasm about their draft position, highlighting ongoing evaluations of potential prospects such as French talents Alexandre Sarr and Zaccharie Risacher, along with Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard and UConn’s Donovan Clingan.
Acknowledging the complexity of selecting the top prospect, Fields clarified that he, not team owner Tony Ressler, holds the final decision-making authority.
The decision to retain the No. 1 pick is influenced by Atlanta’s lack of additional draft selections and the team’s recent playoff challenges, having failed to advance past the first round despite strong performances from guards Trae Young and Dejounte Murray.
“We’re looking for a player who can be a great fit for us not just immediately, but also in the long term,” Fields remarked.
Despite ongoing deliberations, Fields indicated a narrowing focus in their draft board preparations, with continuous dialogue with other NBA executives.
“The board is definitely shaping up,” he noted, hinting at a reduction in their initial wide pool of prospects.
With decisions looming on the futures of players like center Clint Capela and forward De’Andre Hunter, Fields emphasized that the immediate priority remains finalizing their top draft pick.
“We’ve explored various scenarios,” Fields commented. “Right now, our plan is to make the selection.”
Apart from a brief pause for Father’s Day, Fields has been actively engaged in trade discussions as he and his team navigate critical offseason decisions aimed at revitalizing the Hawks’ competitive edge.
“We’re planning on picking one,” Fields reiterated, underscoring their focus on leveraging the No. 1 pick to bolster the team’s roster.
The Atlanta Hawks last won a playoff series in 2021 and are aiming to strengthen their lineup for future campaigns amidst evolving roster dynamics and strategic planning under Fields’ leadership.
