NBA Draft 2024: All eyes on Atlanta Hawks who hold No. 1 pick

Excitement and anxiety are two words that come to mind when the Atlanta Hawks and NBA Draft are mentioned in the same sentence. Some years, the Hawks have captured sleeper draft picks such as Josh Smith (17) in 2004; Jeff Teague (19) in 2009; John Collins (19) in 2017; and Jalen Johnson (20) in 2021. All players who overachieved after being drafted outside of the lottery. However, the Hawks also have a history of fumbling top draft picks. In 2005, the Hawks passed on future Basketball Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul to draft Marvin William who never lived up to the expectations of being the No. 2 pick. And in 2013, the Hawks were scooped by the Milwaukee Bucks who drafted future MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. At the time, the Hawks were the only NBA team who scouted Antetokounmpo. But the Hawks are hoping that their lottery fortunes change in 2024. In May, the Atlanta Hawks made history by winning the NBA Draft Lottery for the time since it began in 1985. Entering the draft lottery, the Hawks were expected to pick 10th and held a 3% chance of receiving the top overall pick. Luck was on the Hawks side as they were...