Asa Newell Joins Atlanta Hawks in Bold Draft Day Move
Hey everyone, big news coming out of the 2025 NBA Draft—Asa Newell, the talented forward from Georgia, is officially heading to the Atlanta Hawks as the 23rd overall pick. Now, this move may have come a little later than fans originally expected, especially after the Hawks traded back in the draft, but the decision to go local and pick Newell speaks volumes about Atlanta’s strategy moving forward.
Let’s rewind for a second. The Hawks started shaking things up by making a high-impact trade for Kristaps Porzingis from the Celtics. It was a smart move from both a basketball and salary cap perspective. Porzingis is a proven seven-footer who can spread the floor—he shot 41.2% from three last season—and is also a serious rim protector. That move alone gave Atlanta a versatile and intimidating frontcourt when combined with Jalen Johnson and Onyeka Okongwu.
Now enter Asa Newell. A 6'10" freshman out of Georgia with impressive defensive instincts and high-end athleticism, Newell has been turning heads since his high school days at Montverde Academy. He’s just 19, but he already brings a ton of upside—particularly on defense. He’s the kind of player who can step in and make an impact as a backup power forward, especially with his shot-blocking ability, length, and help-side defense. The Hawks clearly wanted someone who could anchor the second unit defensively and add depth to a frontcourt that’s often dealt with injuries.
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What makes the Newell pick even more interesting is the context of the trade. By trading the No. 13 pick to the Pelicans, the Hawks not only moved back to No. 23 but also gained a valuable unprotected 2026 first-round pick. That could turn into gold, especially if New Orleans or Milwaukee ends up in the lottery next year. So, the Hawks managed to grab a high-upside local prospect and add future draft capital. That’s how you play the long game.
In college, Newell averaged around 15 points and nearly 7 rebounds per game and showed flashes of being an offensive finisher and rebounder. While his jump shot still needs refining, the mechanics are there. He's got a smooth mid-range game and has shown a willingness to step out to the three-point line, though he's not quite consistent yet.
In short, this is a win for the Hawks on multiple levels. They added frontcourt depth, took a chance on a high-upside local talent, and walked away with future assets that could position them well in upcoming drafts. Asa Newell may not be the most polished offensive weapon just yet, but defensively and athletically, he fits the mold of what Atlanta needs—and with time and development, he could grow into a legitimate two-way contributor.
So, keep your eyes on Asa Newell. He might just be the hidden gem of this draft class—and Atlanta may have struck the perfect balance between present needs and future planning.
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