The 2018 Draft Lottery was friendly to the Atlanta Hawks.

Atlanta will pick 3rd in the 2018 NBA Draft after moving up in the Draft Lottery.

The Hawks found themselves in the draft lottery for the first time since 2007. That year the Hawks jumped from the 4th position to 3rd where they selected Al Horford. That jump was a big deal for Atlanta because anything lower and the pick would’ve resulted in the pick conveying to Phoenix.

The Hawks haven’t had the best luck lately picking in the lottery:

2004: Josh Childress. 6th

2005: Marvin Willams. 2nd

2006: Sheldon Williams. 5th

2007: Al Horford. 3rd

At first glance, it’s obvious that the team only hit on one of these picks. Despite this, Hawks fans should have full confidence with GM Travis Schlenk in place as well as a strong group top to bottom in basketball operations in hand.

Recent 3rd overall picks:

2017 Jayson Tatum, Duke – Boston Celtics

2016 Jaylen Brown, California – Boston Celtics

2015 Jahlil Okafor, Duke – Philadelphia 76ers

2014 Joel Embiid, Kansas – Philadelphia 76ers

2013 Otto Porter, Georgetown – Washington Wizards

2012 Bradley Beal, Florida – Washington Wizards

2011 Enes Kanter, Kentucky – Utah Jazz

2010 Derrick Favors, Georgia Tech – New Jersey Nets

It is crucial that the Hawks get this pick right as it could propel us out of this rebuild or cause us to be stuck for years.

Stick with us at ATLSportsHQ for full coverage and a full series of Draft Profiles leading up to the draft.

Phil Veasley | @_ATLPhil

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