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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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3. Wade Baldwin IV

Mar 15, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Wichita State Shockers of First Four of the NCAA men
Mar 15, 2016; Dayton, OH, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard Wade Baldwin IV (4) dribbles the ball during the first half against the Wichita State Shockers of First Four of the NCAA men /

With a trade of Jeff Teague seemingly guaranteed, the Hawks are going to need another point guard to back up Dennis Schroder. Vanderbilt’s Wade Baldwin has very good scoring ability, while possessing the size to player either guard spot.

Baldwin fits the profile of a true combo-guard in today’s NBA. At 6-4, he possesses great size for the point guard spot with the ability to play some shooting guard, as well. Baldwin has a very good perimeter shot, shooting over 40% from 3-point range in both of his seasons at Vanderbilt. That shooting range makes him a terrific compliment to the defensive, slashing style of Schroder. His passing is also very good, and that would allow him to fit well in an Atlanta system that praises ball movement. Running Schroder and Baldwin together could be the beginning of a deadly small-ball lineup. Also, his size could make him a nightmare of a defender on NBA point guards, teaming him with Schroder could allow the Hawks to shut down any point guard in the league.

The biggest question marks with Baldwin are tied to his ball handling skills. His handle could use improvement for a point guard, and an improved handle could help him be a better shot-creator. As of now, many scouts view Baldwin as a shooter who needs playmakers around him to get him the ball, but with the Hawks and a refined handle, Baldwin could both create his own shots and benefit form great ball movement. The biggest question, though, is whether or not Baldwin will fall to #21. But in this draft, I see a very good player falling to the Hawks due to the great depth.

A big, combo-guard who has a raw handle, great jump shot, and the ability to play up tempo? This sounds like a very toolsy, useful player that could compliment Schroder and also mirrors a division rival’s point guard.

Comparison: Goran Dragic