Some inside Atlanta Hawks reportedly pushing for different option with top pick, instead of Alex Sarr and Zacchanie Risacher

While the Atlanta Hawks have been linked to a pair of talented French prospects in recent weeks, a new report claims a specific star from the NCAA ranks has fans in the front office of the team with the No. 1 pick in June.

Despite the odds being against them, the Hawks surprised everyone by landing the top overall selection during the NBA Draft lottery. It puts the team in a unique position they have not been in in nearly 40 years. However, Atlanta has the unfortunate luck of having the No. 1 pick in a year that is viewed as one of the weakest draft classes in some time.

Also Read: Atlanta Hawks, and San Antonio Spurs linked to taking a trio of French prospects in 2024 NBA Draft?

That puts added pressure on their inexperienced front office to make the right choice on an opportunity that doesn’t come often. As we grow closer to the June event, center Alex Sarr has been seen as the likely choice for the Hawks at No. 1, however, earlier this week a new report suggested Sarr and fellow Frenchman Zacchanie Risacher are the favorites to be the top overall selection.

Well, another rumor suggests there is now a third prospect building momentum inside the organization.

Donovan Clingan building momentum to be Atlanta Hawks pick in 2024 NBA Draft

“There is some chatter that [Donovan] Clingan has fans among the Hawks’ constituency at No. 1, meaning there’s a lot left to be played out between now and June 26,” ESPN NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony reported on Friday.

While some draft boards view the UConn star as a player that is toward the back end of the top 10 prospects in this year’s class, there is a lot of momentum behind the defensive ace who helped lead the Huskies to back-to-back national championships.

Donovan Clingan reportedly has a 9-foot-7 standing reach and can dunk without even jumping. He is very athletic for his size, has great lateral movement, has a high basketball IQ, has a smooth shot that is expected to get better at the next level, and he is only 20 years old. Clingan also is considered a strong leader and he made a major impact in that role for the defending champions.

Also Read: NBA insiders detail immense upside in prospect linked to Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards in NBA Draft

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