Liam McNeeley enters the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the most technically sound and mentally prepared prospects in the class. A 6’7” forward out of the University of Connecticut by way of Montverde Academy, McNeeley stands out less for freakish athletic traits and more for his high-level skillset, polished offensive game, and a professional approach to preparation. He’s the kind of player scouts label as ‘plug and play’ — someone who may not have All-Star upside but can contribute early because of his basketball IQ, spacing, and decision-making. For teams like the Atlanta Hawks looking to reshape their offensive identity around movement, spacing, and unselfish play, McNeeley presents a compelling case.
**Offensive Strengths and Weaknesses**
McNeeley’s greatest strength is his perimeter shooting. He projects as one of the more reliable floor spacers in the class thanks to a compact, repeatable shooting form, deep range, and the ability to shoot off the catch, off movement, and in pick-and-pop situations. Even though his shooting didn’t fully translate at the collegiate level. evaluators consistently express confidence in his future as a perimeter shooter.
Whether stationed in the corner or operating off flare screens and dribble-handoffs (DHOs), McNeeley’s gravity forces defenders to stay attached which creates space for slashers and pick-and-roll creators. This particular trait aligns extremely well with the Atlanta Hawks’ motion-based offense, which depends on players making quick decisions, relocating, and spacing the floor around primary creators like Trae Young.
He’s also a natural fit in a ‘0.5 seconds’ offensive philosophy. McNeeley thrives when the ball is moving, when decisions must be made quickly, and when off-ball players are empowered to read and react. He’s excellent at attacking closeouts, leveraging his shot threat to create driving lanes, and making the simple next pass to keep the defense rotating. Though not an advanced shot creator, McNeeley has enough handle to take two to three purposeful dribbles into space, pull up in the midrange, or drive and kick. His offensive game is fluid and intelligent — designed more for rhythm and connection than isolation.
That said, McNeeley does have some offensive limitations. He’s not a high-level athlete by NBA standards — his first step is average, and he’s unlikely to break defenders down off the dribble against length or pressure. In the halfcourt, he depends on the system to create his advantages, and he won’t be someone you give the ball to late in the clock and expect a bucket. Additionally, his rim finishing remains a work in progress. Without elite burst or verticality, he struggles to convert through contact in the paint and may find his efficiency dip when forced to drive into NBA length and rim protection.
Another area where growth is needed is as a creator for others. McNeeley sees the floor well and rarely forces bad shots, but he’s not yet a dynamic playmaker. He can make the extra pass and read rotations, but he doesn’t bend the defense consistently or create high-value assists. Developing as a connective passer who can operate from the wing or short roll would raise his ceiling significantly in a motion-heavy offensive scheme.
**Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses**
Defensively, McNeeley’s projection is a bit more nuanced. On one hand, he is consistently in the right place — he communicates, tags cutters, rotates early, and understands positional defense. His effort is reliable, and he takes pride in defending within a system. His size at 6’7” allows him to contest shots on the wing, and his general awareness means he rarely gets caught out of position in help coverage. Against teams that value discipline and high IQ team defense, he offers a low risk, high-floor presence.
However, he’s not a naturally disruptive defender. His lateral quickness is average, meaning quicker guards can beat him off the bounce. He also lacks the vertical explosiveness to be a consistent shot-altering presence at the rim. In switch-heavy schemes, McNeeley may struggle to hold his ground against stronger wings or keep up with fast-twitch guards. He’s best suited to guarding secondary scorers or playing as a low man in zone or hybrid schemes where anticipation and positioning outweigh raw athleticism.
From an Atlanta Hawks standpoint, this could create both synergy and tension. On the positive side, McNeeley fits the Hawks’ need for rotational defenders who play hard, stay connected, and understand assignments. But for a team actively trying to upgrade its defensive versatility and toughness on the perimeter, McNeeley’s lack of physical disruption could be viewed as a limitation. Atlanta has struggled at times to keep wings in front and force turnovers, and McNeeley likely won’t move the needle in that area in the short term.
That said, he is a willing rebounder. He boxes out, pursues the ball, and understands his responsibilities as a team rebounder. While not elite, his willingness to contribute in that area helps make up for some of his athletic shortcomings. For Atlanta — a team that often depends on its wings to help finish possessions — this rebounding effort is meaningful and valuable.
**Reputation, Work Ethic, and Projection**
McNeeley’s reputation as a worker is well established. Coaches and teammates from Montverde to UConn consistently praise his maturity, practice habits, and mental approach. He prepares like a pro, rarely needs to be told something twice, and takes criticism constructively. These intangible qualities, combined with his shooting, make him one of the safest floor prospects in the class.
His projected role in the NBA — particularly over his first two seasons — will likely be that of a second unit wing who spaces the floor, plays mistake-free offense, and holds up defensively through scheme discipline and effort. He’s not expected to be a primary scorer or lead initiator but can contribute right away as a floor-spacer and secondary ball mover. If the jumper translates at volume and he proves to be a consistent decision-maker, McNeeley could see early minutes, especially for teams trying to modernize their second unit offense.
Long term, his ceiling is contingent on three developmental areas: (1) becoming a league-average defender against wings, (2) adding functional strength to hold up physically, and (3) expanding his playmaking as a connector.
**Fit with the Atlanta Hawks**
McNeeley’s fit with the Atlanta Hawks is a particularly strong one offensively. The Hawks are shifting toward a system that rewards players who move the ball quickly, make decisions on the catch, and provide consistent floor spacing around their ball-dominant guard(s). McNeeley checks all of those boxes. He thrives in motion concepts, understands how to read the second defender, and is willing to keep the offense humming without hijacking possessions.
The question becomes whether his defensive profile aligns with Atlanta’s effort to become more switchable and disruptive on the wing. In recent drafts and trades, the Hawks have clearly prioritized defenders with size, versatility, and the ability to guard across multiple positions. While McNeeley isn’t a defensive liability, he won’t be the kind of stopper that transforms a team’s perimeter defense. The Hawks will need to weigh his offensive floor and system fit against their desire for more dynamic defense.
Still, McNeeley’s shooting, intelligence, and unselfish play style make him a natural chemistry piece — someone who can elevate lineups by doing the little things right. His ability to hit threes, attack closeouts, and make sound decisions will be especially valuable in second-unit lineups where spacing and rhythm are critical. If he continues to develop physically and rounds out his game, he could grow into a steady starter or high-level bench player with real playoff utility.
**Conclusion**
Liam McNeeley is the kind of player winning teams often covet: reliable, self-aware, skilled, and focused. While his athletic limitations cap his upside somewhat, his fit in modern motion offenses — particularly those like Atlanta’s that value spacing, quick reads, and 0.5 basketball — positions him as an immediate contributor. If he improves his defense and adds strength without sacrificing mobility, he could be a key connector on a playoff team. For the Hawks, he could offer a steady, culture-positive option in a draft class where many other wings bring flash but less certainty.