When the Atlanta Hawks traded down from 13 to 23 with the New Orleans Pelicans, they did not think Asa Newell would still be around. A risk was taken and a sigh of relief was let out when the Brooklyn Nets selected Drake Powell one pick before them. The hometown kid remained on the board.
After acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics a day earlier, nobody knew what Atlanta's true draft plan looked like. They could have taken a guard, wing or doubled down on a big. They chose the third option.
At 6'11", Newell has the overall stature of a center. His game, however, resembles a quick, rim-running power forward with improving on-ball skills. As one of the NCAA's most elite play-finishers last year, the rookie will not be faced with a tough task in his first NBA season.
There is no better situation for a rookie big coming into the league after his freshman season. He will get to set screens for and catch lobs from Trae Young. The real question is, though, how much of it Hawks fans will get to see next year.
No doubt, Newell will have to earn his spot in the rotation. It will be a bit of a tougher task than if Atlanta had decided on a guard or wing. With Jalen Johnson, Onyeka Okongwu and now Kristaps Porzingis ahead of him, the rookie out of Georgia will be required to step up to the challenge.
It should be no issue. Being able to handle the ball, push the pace in transition and have a real level of willingness to pull from deep should make for a seamless fit alongside the others in the frontcourt.
Where exactly in the rotation will Asa Newell land next year?
Expect the rookie to be the ninth man in Atlanta's healthy rotation next season. While not confirmed, one could assume his first round pick status will elevate him over Mo Gueye as the backup power forward.
Newell is capable of playing center and would in most other situations but Onyeka Okongwu and Kristaps Porzingis are set to split time at that position next year. He could also be developed as Atlanta's backup center of the future if Porzingis decides to leave in free agency after the season. It needs to be remembered that he is on an expiring deal.
The future in Atlanta is bright. Now with some of the best frontcourt depth in the NBA, the Hawks are in a great position, no matter how Quin Snyder decides to structure the rotation come October.