Donovan Clingan vs. Zach Edey: Who's the better fit for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft?
The Atlanta Hawks hold the top overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft despite having the tenth-best odds of landing in the slot entering last month's draft lottery. While Atlanta is reportedly open to moving the pick for an established player, there has been no movement on that front, with the draft just eight days away.
The franchise will have the opportunity to choose any player available, provided they wind up holding on to the pick. Although they have Clint Capela as their starting center, there have been rumors that the Hawks could move on from the ten-year veteran. Such a move would open the door for the front office to bring in a star collegiate center such as Donovan Clingan or Zach Edey.
Take a look at which player is a better fit for Atlanta below.
Who is a better fit for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft?
Donovan Clingan
Donovan Clingan averaged 13.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.5 steals and 2.5 blocks while shooting 63.9% from the field in just 22.6 minutes per game last season. The four-star prospect in the 2022 recruiting class spent two seasons with the UConn Huskies, posting averages of 9.8 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 1.0 apg, 0.5 spg and 2.1 bpg while shooting 64.5% from the field in 17.6 mpg.
Clingan is viewed as one of the players with the highest ceilings in this year's draft, particularly due to his defensive prowess and rim-protecting ability. While they ranked fifth in scoring offense, the Atlanta Hawks allowed 120.5 points per game last season, the third-most in the league. They also allowed 53.7 points in the paint per game, which was the sixth-most in the league.
Although he does not create his own shot very often, Clingan would not need to do that with the Hawks. He would make a great pick-and-roll partner for Trae Young and Dejounte Murray — provided both remain in Atlanta. While there are questions about his durability — his 22.6 mpg was a career-high — he is expected to be on the court more in the NBA.
Zach Edey
In 2023-24, Zach Edey averaged 25.2 ppg, 12.2 rpg, 2.0 apg, 0.3 spg and 2.2 bpg while shooting 62.3% from the field in 32.0 mpg. He was named National College Player of the Year for the second consecutive season.
The three-star prospect in the 2020 recruiting class spent his entire four-year career with the Purdue Boilermakers. He averaged 18.2 ppg, 9.6 rpg, 1.3 apg, 0.2 spg and 1.7 bpg while shooting 62.1% from the field in 24.9 mpg.
Edey is viewed as, arguably, the biggest question mark in this year's draft. While he was dominant at the collegiate level, there are legitimate questions about how his game — particularly his pick-and-roll defense and ability to switch onto the perimeter — will translate to the NBA.
His ability to create his own shot and put the ball in the basket will be able to help a team. The Atlanta Hawks, however, were strong offensively and need help on the less flashy side of the ball — particularly if Trae Young remains on the roster. While Edey was more dominant in college, Clingan's skill set is better suited for the Hawks roster.