ESPN’s latest mock draft
8. Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans)
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Junior
Combine measurements
Height without shoes: 7-3 | Weight: 260
Standing reach: 9-9 | Wingspan: 7-6
The Hawks' shrewd decision to trade the No. 13 pick (Derik Queen) in last year's draft for this one -- the better of New Orleans' and Milwaukee's selections -- didn't result in a top-four pick, but still moved them up five spots in a stronger draft. They will look at the bevy of young guards at this slot, a long-term need after moving on from Trae Young. If they want to upgrade at the five -- where they lack size and depth -- Mara has positioned himself as the likely first center off the board.
Mara has built momentum on the heels of Michigan's title run and is viewed by teams as a lock to hear his name called in the lottery. His massive dimensions help back up the argument for him as a player with an outlier-level mix of size, coordination and skill. He could wind up as the first Michigan player to hear his name called, above Yaxel Lendeborg.