If you’re wondering why the entire NBA world is buzzing about the Pelicans trading the Hawks an unprotected 2026 first-round pick just to move up 10 spots in this year’s draft, CBS Sports’ latest 2026 NBA mock draft shows exactly why Atlanta could come out as the big winner.
With the second pick in next year’s draft, Adam Finkelstein has the Hawks selecting AJ Dybantsa out of BYU.
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2. Atlanta Hawks
AJ Dybantsa, BYU
Pick acquired via trade with New Orleans Pelicans
Dybantsa is the most naturally talented prospect in the class. A 6-9 jumbo wing with an elastic body type and extreme court coverage, he’s the prototype of a modern NBA wing. While the talent and scoring prowess have been glaring since he was an underclassman, he seemed to plateau just a bit during his senior year of high school. More recently, he has impressed with the USA Basketball U19 team that will now travel to Switzerland to compete in the FIBA World Cup next week.
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Of course, we are an entire year away from that moment, but the point remains, the Hawks have as good of a shot as anyone of picking #1 next season.
The Pelicans are coming off a season in which they won just 21 games. It led to general manager David Griffin getting the axe, and apparently, new general manager Joe Dumars doesn’t believe in rebuilding. He thinks this team is ready to compete right now, and if they stay healthy, perhaps they can be better than most people imagine.
However, injury problems have been an issue in New Orleans for years, and a lot of it has to do with guys being injury prone. Zion Williamson has been in the league for six years, and he’s only played in more than 30 games two times. It’s literally more likely than not that he plays in less than half the games next season, and if that happens, the Pelicans are going to be picking in the lottery once again.
But even if New Orleans shocks everybody and makes it to the playoffs in an incredibly difficult Western Conference, this unprotected first-round pick is the most favorable of the Pelicans and Bucks. So, if the Bucks find themselves out of the playoff picture — which is also possible — the Hawks could still find themselves with a shot at the #1 overall pick.
From the Pelicans perspective, this is one of the worst trades I’ve ever seen, and it could be something that completely reshapes the future of the Hawks franchise.
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Photo: Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire
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