The Atlanta Hawks’ offseason was widely praised after turning a play-in team into potential championship contenders. When the Hawks traded the 13th pick for the 23rd pick and the rights to the Pelicans’ 2026 first, the trade was applauded primarily for acquiring a valuable pick, not necessarily for who they selected at 23: Asa Newell.
After three summer league games, however, Newell looks like a steal of a late-first round selection. He is averaging 13.3 points and 8.3 rebounds per game, shooting 51.9% from the field and an impressive 50% from deep.
What made Newell a less-safe prospect was his combination of a power forward’s frame and center’s skillset.