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Atlanta’s 5 Best Draft Fits At #21 Overall

By Collin Huguley

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; General view of the full first round draft board at the conclusion of the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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5. Diamond Stone

March 20, 2016; Spokane , WA, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone (33) moves to the basket against Hawaii Rainbow Warriors forward Stefan Jankovic (33) during the second half in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 20, 2016; Spokane , WA, USA; Maryland Terrapins center Diamond Stone (33) moves to the basket against Hawaii Rainbow Warriors forward Stefan Jankovic (33) during the second half in the second round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

Maryland freshman Diamond Stone was one of the most hyped high school recruits coming into this past college basketball season. At 6-11 and 255 pounds, Stone has an NBA body already at age 19. Even if Al Horford stays with the Hawks, Stone could be a terrific player to develop behind Horford. Stone excels with his back to the basket, deploying an old school style of offense on the low block. He also has displayed a nice shooting stroke from mid-range, and could even develop 3-point range learning from Horford and the Hawks’ coaching staff. Stone’s low post defense is also exceptional, as he can hold his own on the block and has the size to do so at the next level.

Unfortunately, one of Stone’s weaknesses is rebounding, Atlanta’s biggest weakness as a team. But with his youth and big body, he could certainly develop into a very good rebounder in due time. Questions are also present about Stone’s ability to succeed in fast-paced situations, but he could provide a paint element that the Hawks don’t have and leave the running to Horford. Stone also has questions surrounding his maturity. He has shown flashes of losing his head, earning a one-game suspension for slamming an opponent’s head into the floor in frustration. These issues can certainly be corrected with maturity and proper guidance, but nonetheless are red flags none the less.

Overall, Stone would give a great student for Al Horford to tutor and could be a two-way force on the low-block for the Atlanta Hawks. Having his body and low post game, his game reminds me of a physical, veteran NBA center that has always been able to score.

Comparison: Al Jefferson