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Atlanta Hawks: Players To Target With The No. 44 Pick

By Colby Giacubeno

Feb 28, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (20) celebrates a victory after a game against the Washington State Cougars at Gill Coliseum. The Beavers won 69-49. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (20) celebrates a victory after a game against the Washington State Cougars at Gill Coliseum. The Beavers won 69-49. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) drives against Virginia Commonwealth Rams forward Mo Alie-Cox (12) in the first half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oregon State Beavers guard Gary Payton II (1) drives against Virginia Commonwealth Rams forward Mo Alie-Cox (12) in the first half during the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Gary Payton II- Oregon State

2015-16 statistics: 16.0 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 5.0 APG

If Payton is still available at No. 44 (which judging by the majority of mock drafts he will be), it would be an absolute steal for the Hawks. In terms of playing point guard, Payton has tremendous size at 6’3″ with a 6’6.5″ wingspan to go along with supreme athleticism.

One thing that separates Payton from others at his position is his ability to rebound the ball. Per-40 minutes during his senior season, he averaged 9.3 rebounds, which is a reason why he ranks amongst the top rebounding point guards of all-time. His presence and IQ defensively also makes him extremely valuable with this pick. Payton averaged 2.5 steals per game last season and showed great instincts guarding his man both on and off the ball.

Payton was given the keys to drive the OSU offense this season by becoming the primary ball-handler. While he showed that he can execute in pick-and-roll sets, his strength is getting out in the open floor and finishing in transition. His athleticism can overwhelm players at any position on the opposing team.

A weakness that can be fixed with repetitions that he will get every day as a pro is his outside shooting. Payton is great at attacking the paint and finishing around the rim, his 51.6 field goal percentage can attest to that, but his 31.9 three-point percentage indicates there is still much work to be done.

Considering Payton is a four-year college player, the Hawks wouldn’t have to wait as long for him to develop and grow into his body. Getting him in Mike Budenholzer’s system surrounded by shooters could be a recipe for success.

Next: Malcolm Brogdon