2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Atlanta Hawks No. 23 Pick Asa Newell
The Atlanta Hawks have selected Asa Newell with the No. 23 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
With a smooth lefty jumper and strong mobility, Newell brought shooting touch, fluidity and switchability to the Georgia Bulldogs' frontcourt.
He was named to the 2025 SEC All-Freshman Team and was a top-10 candidate for the Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Award, given to the nation's top center.
Of course, there's still work to be done, and consistency will be key at the next level.
Newell doesn't create much offense for himself and often relied on teammates to set up his looks. He also didn't block shots at a strong rate for his position, which raised questions about his defensive presence.
Still, Newell has the kind of frame, fluidity and face-up potential that NBA teams love to develop.
If he can get stronger, improve his timing and become more assertive on both ends—a lot to ask, no doubt—there's a path toward carving out a long-term role in today's NBA.
Newell ranks No. 13 in NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman’s 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
Previous Team: Georgia | Position: PF/C | Height: 6'9" | Weight: 224 lbs | Age: 19 | Vertical: 36½ inches | Wingspan: 6'11¼" | PPG: 15.4 | RPG: 6.9 | APG: 0.9 | BPG: 1 | SPG: 1 | FG%: 54.3 | 3PT%: 29.2
Realistic Pro Comparison: John Collins
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Newell shares similar strengths and weaknesses as John Collins.
Both are athletic finishers and capable shooters, and both are rebounding presences who, realistically, don't offer significant rim protection.
Neither is an ideal offensive focal point, but both can be productive by utilizing their tools and two-point skills.
Strengths
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Finishing: Newell was an easy-basket machine at Georgia thanks to his size and athleticism. He has superb timing in transition, on cuts and rolls, and blitzes the offensive boards.
Shooting: He's had a capable three-point shot since high school, and the eye test suggests he can eventually evolve into a legitimate stretch big.
Switchability: Newell moves well enough to become a valued switchable defender who can guard ball screens and ball-handlers in space.
Weaknesses
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Self-Creation: Newell doesn't offer much ball-handling or creativity. He needed to be set up for the majority of his field goals.
Rim Protection: For a big man, he did not block shots at a strong rate. It's not always a necessity at the NBA level in the right system, but working on strength and timing can only help.
Passing: Newell had a very low assist rate for a forward. He excels at finishing plays, but he doesn't possess any functional vision.
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