Atlanta Hawks supporters are voicing strong skepticism about mock drafts, which consistently link Michigan State guard Jase Richardson to their franchise. The 6’0″ combo guard has become a popular projection for Atlanta’s No. 13 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.
ESPN and multiple draft analysts project Richardson as a lottery selection following his solid freshman campaign. However, Hawks fans question whether adding another undersized guard alongside Trae Young makes strategic sense for their developing roster.
Atlanta Hawks Fans Voice Concerns Over Defensive Fit
A Reddit discussion revealed widespread fan opposition to Richardson joining Atlanta. It generated many comments, with Hawks fans frustrated about the recurring mock draft connection between Richardson and Atlanta.
Explain the Jase Richardson to the Hawks mocks to me.
byu/Jazzlike-Basket-6388 inNBA_Draft
Atlanta fans are concerned about defensive limitations. One fan bluntly questioned, “Why would we want another small PG? Actually, why would anyone?” The fan continued, “To make a small guard work as a top-7 rotation player on a playoff team, you need a lot of defensive infrastructure most teams lack.”
Hawks fans emphasized size concerns.
“He’s 6 feet tall. Who can he guard in the NBA?” one fan wrote.
Another fan argued that Richardson and Young create insurmountable defensive problems.
“Richardson isn’t bad on his own, the problem is when he’s playing at the same time as Trae. It’s harder to hide 2 small guys,” the fan wrote.
The fanbase also questioned Richardson’s ball-handling capabilities. While mock drafts pencil him in as a potential backup to Young, many fans don’t view Richardson as a natural facilitator. One Reddit user observed, “I don’t see him as a ballhandler or facilitator.”
Draft Value and Alternative Options Drive Fan Frustration
Beyond fit concerns, Hawks fans don’t want to see a lottery pick used on what they perceive as a backup player.
One fan expressed outrage, “Drafting someone you squarely project as a backup to your entrenched star player with the 13th pick is horrendous GM’ing.”
Many fans want bigger needs addressed, particularly frontcourt help. With Onyeka Okongwu’s role debated and more questions about depth at center, fans prefer Atlanta drafting prospects like Khaman Maluach or other big men who could have an immediate impact.
Richardson averaged 12.1 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists while shooting 41% from three-point range during his lone Michigan State season. He earned Big Ten All-Freshman honors and helped the Spartans reach the Elite Eight.
His reputation as a defensive standout and efficient shooting work appeal to scouts, but Hawks fans remain unconvinced about the organizational fit.
Atlanta fans acknowledge Richardson’s talent while questioning draft positioning. They suggest Richardson would make more sense as a No. 22 pick or later in the first round rather than the Hawks using their primary lottery selection on a player with limited versatility.
KEEP READING: NBA Draft 2025: The Best Available Players at Each Position
This debate also highlights broader questions about Atlanta’s direction with Young and the Hawks’ young core of Jalen Johnson, Dyson Daniels, and Zaccharie Risacher.
While Richardson brings solid shooting and perimeter defense, Hawks fans clearly prefer prospects offering greater size, positional flexibility, or higher upside potential when their lottery number gets called.
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