Asa Newell Stays Close to Home as Atlanta Hawks Acquire No. 23 Pick from Pelicans in 2025 NBA Draft Blockbuster

Asa Newell’s NBA journey will officially begin just a few hours down the road from where he made his mark in college basketball. On Wednesday night, the highly-touted forward was selected with the No. 23 overall pick in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft by the New Orleans Pelicans, only to have his draft rights immediately traded to the Atlanta Hawks—a move that allows the talented Georgia native to remain close to home as he embarks on his professional career.

For Newell, the night played out like a dream scenario. The power forward, who starred for the Georgia Bulldogs, now gets to represent his home state at the NBA level, suiting up for an Atlanta Hawks franchise that’s in the midst of reshaping its roster for the future. The trade, which was confirmed shortly after the pick was announced, sent waves through both fanbases, with Hawks supporters eager to welcome one of the most promising young forwards in this draft class.

Newell’s path to this moment has been marked by steady development, hard work, and undeniable potential. Standing at 6-foot-10 with a versatile skill set, Newell showcased flashes of NBA readiness throughout his lone season with Georgia. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and rebound at a high level made him a coveted prospect for teams looking to bolster their frontcourt.

While many mock drafts projected Newell as a late first-round or early second-round selection, the Pelicans evidently valued his upside enough to take him at No. 23, only to then negotiate with the Hawks to facilitate the trade. For Atlanta, the move represents more than just adding a talented rookie—it symbolizes a commitment to investing in homegrown talent and building a roster that resonates with the local community.

Newell’s connection to Georgia runs deep. A native of Athens, Georgia, he was a standout at Montverde Academy before returning to his home state to play for the Bulldogs. During his freshman season, he quickly became one of the team’s most impactful players, averaging 14.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game. His combination of size, agility, and shooting touch allowed him to thrive in both transition and half-court situations, while his defensive versatility made him a consistent contributor on the other end of the floor.

Perhaps what makes Newell’s selection—and subsequent trade—even more special is the potential he brings to an Atlanta Hawks team looking to reignite its playoff aspirations. After a couple of underwhelming seasons, Atlanta’s front office is prioritizing youth, athleticism, and positional versatility. Newell checks all those boxes, and his ability to slot in alongside the likes of Trae Young and Jalen Johnson offers intriguing possibilities for head coach Quin Snyder.

The Hawks have been active in reshaping their roster this offseason, and acquiring Newell is viewed as a strategic move that aligns with their vision. Team president Landry Fields spoke about the acquisition following the draft, highlighting Newell’s unique skill set and local roots.

“We believe Asa is a perfect fit for what we’re building here in Atlanta,” Fields said. “He’s a high-character player with an incredible work ethic, and his versatility on both ends of the court gives us the flexibility we value. The fact that he’s from Georgia makes this even more exciting for our fans and the city.”

Newell, for his part, expressed both excitement and gratitude during his post-draft media availability.

“It’s an incredible feeling,” Newell said. “To hear my name called on draft night is a blessing in itself, but then to find out I’m coming home to play for the Hawks? It couldn’t be scripted any better. I’m ready to get to work and represent Atlanta.”

Fans of both Georgia basketball and the Hawks have quickly rallied behind the selection, flooding social media with messages of support and anticipation. The idea of seeing a homegrown star in a Hawks uniform has sparked a renewed sense of optimism around the franchise, which has been searching for ways to complement its All-Star backcourt and return to prominence in the Eastern Conference.

Beyond the sentimental aspects of Newell’s arrival, his on-court potential is what truly has NBA scouts and analysts intrigued. His frame, combined with fluid athleticism and an improving perimeter shot, makes him a prototypical modern forward. While there’s still room for development, particularly in refining his handle and decision-making under pressure, the tools are all there for Newell to make an impact at the professional level.

During his time at Georgia, Newell demonstrated a maturity beyond his years. He embraced his role as both a scorer and defender, often tasked with guarding the opposition’s best frontcourt player. His motor and defensive instincts set him apart, and his rebounding ability—especially on the offensive glass—frequently created second-chance opportunities for the Bulldogs.

In Atlanta, Newell may initially come off the bench, but the franchise envisions him as a key rotational piece with the potential to develop into a starter. With veteran mentors in the locker room and a coaching staff known for player development, the Hawks present an ideal environment for Newell to grow and refine his game.

It’s also worth noting that Newell’s presence adds further positional versatility to an already dynamic Hawks frontcourt. His ability to play both the power forward and small-ball center positions gives Coach Snyder additional flexibility with lineups, allowing the team to adapt to various matchups across the league.

The trade between New Orleans and Atlanta also reflects the ever-evolving nature of NBA draft night. Deals like this have become increasingly common, with teams leveraging picks and prospects to align with long-term strategies. For the Pelicans, moving the No. 23 pick was reportedly part of a broader effort to accumulate future assets, while the Hawks saw a window to secure a player they had long targeted.

Looking ahead, expectations for Asa Newell will be high—but so too will the support. Playing in front of family, friends, and familiar faces, Newell has the opportunity to write the next chapter of his basketball story in the same state where it all began. For a player driven by both pride and potential, there may be no better place to start his NBA career than in the heart of Georgia.

As draft night fades into memory and the real work begins, Newell is eager to prove himself at the next level. With the Hawks’ Summer League schedule on the horizon and training camp just months away, Atlanta’s newest addition has already set his sights on contributing to the team’s future success.

“I’m ready to embrace this challenge,” Newell said. “I know nothing is given in this league—you have to earn everything. But I believe in my work, I believe in what I bring to the table, and I’m excited to represent Atlanta. This is just the beginning.”

For the Hawks and their fans, it’s a beginning filled with promise—and one that keeps one of Georgia’s brightest young stars right at home.