Atlanta reshapes its roster with a bold three‑team swap that lands Kristaps Porzingis and adds Nickeil Alexander‑Walker and Luke Kennard. A draft‑night maneuver downgrades from No. 13 to No. 23 for an unprotected 2026 first that could land in the lottery. The front office’s gamble, led by Onsi Saleh, has many observers buzzing about Atlanta’s short‑term floor and long‑term ceiling.

The move set also features Pelicans and Bucks’ looming uncertainty and Porzingis’ fit with Trae Young, plus Kennard and NAW delivering shooting, handling and spacing. For fantasy managers, monitor Porzingis’ health and minutes, NAW’s upside as a secondary creator, and Kennard’s sniper role in a deeper Hawks rotation.

Asa Newell will begin his NBA career with the Atlanta Hawks wearing No. 14, the same number he wore in high school and college, as Terance Mann’s No. 14 vacates in Brooklyn. Newell impressed as a Georgia freshman and in Summer League, posting solid per-game numbers and showing 3-point efficiency, suggesting a versatile rookie ceiling for fantasy managers.

His local roots and draft spot amplify the hype, with the Hawks banking on his long-term development and floor-stretching potential. Expect him to be a watch-list stash if he carves out minutes early and boosts rebounding and shooting in a crowded wing rotation.

Cooper Flagg, the Mavericks' top pick, alongside teammates Liam McNeeley, Asa Newell, and Derik Queen, made history by being part of the second quartet from Montverde Academy to be selected in the first round of the NBA draft. This powerhouse group had an impressive run, ending the season at 33-0 and winning the national championship by an average margin of 34 points.

Flagg was chosen first overall by Dallas, while Queen went 13th to the Atlanta Hawks, Newell was picked 23rd by the New Orleans Pelicans, and McNeeley rounded out the quartet at 29th with the Phoenix Suns. Shortly after being drafted, Queen, Newell, and McNeeley were traded, with Queen and Newell heading to New Orleans and Atlanta respectively, while McNeeley joined the Charlotte Hornets. Notably, this marks the second time Montverde produced four first-round picks, following the success of Cade Cunningham and others in 2021.

The NBA draft at Barclays Center witnessed an extraordinary moment as four players from Montverde Academy made history in 2025. Cooper Flagg, Derik Queen, Asa Newell, and Liam McNeeley were all smiles as they celebrated their achievements, each being selected in the first round. This marked a significant milestone, showcasing their talents and solidifying their legacy as a powerhouse team that finished their high school season undefeated at 33-0.

Cooper Flagg, drafted No. 1 by the Dallas Mavericks, had an impressive high school career, highlighted by individual accolades and leading Duke to the Final Four. Derik Queen followed at No. 13 with the New Orleans Pelicans, showcasing a dominant performance at Maryland. Asa Newell was selected No. 23 by the Atlanta Hawks, while Liam McNeeley rounded out the group at No. 29, heading to the Charlotte Hornets. Their coach, Kevin Boyle, praised their unselfishness and teamwork, emphasizing that their commitment to winning extended beyond individual statistics.

The Atlanta Hawks made a strategic move in the 2025 NBA Draft, selecting Georgia's Asa Newell as the 23rd overall pick. This marks a significant milestone as Newell is the first Georgia player to be drafted in the first round since Anthony Edwards in 2020. During his freshman season at Georgia, Newell led the Bulldogs with impressive averages of 15.4 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, showcasing his potential as a rising star.

Newell's selection by the Hawks reflects his high school pedigree; he was ranked 19th nationally and was expected to make a significant impact in the league. The Hawks' advanced strategy included trading their earlier picks to secure Newell, hinting at their long-term investment in his development. With Georgia fans now having a vested interest in Newell's journey within an Atlanta team, the crossover between basketball and regional pride is palpable.