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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 17, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Seton Hall Pirates guard Isaiah Whitehead (15) dribbles up court against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) in the first half of Seton Hall vs Gonzaga in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Denver , CO, USA; Seton Hall Pirates guard Isaiah Whitehead (15) dribbles up court against Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) in the first half of Seton Hall vs Gonzaga in the first round of the 2016 NCAA Tournament at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

Isaiah Whitehead- Seton Hall

2015-16 statistics: 18.2 PPG, 5.1 APG, 3.6 RPG

Whitehead was arguably college basketball’s most improved player for the 2015-16 season. The sophomore bounced back from a very forgettable freshman year in which the Pirates didn’t qualify for any postseason play.

In his sophomore campaign, Whitehead led the team to a nine win turnaround and an NCAA Tournament appearance. If he would’ve decided to stay in college for his junior season, he likely would’ve been on many analyst’s watch list for player of the year, but instead, Whitehead will chase his dreams with hopes to get drafted somewhere in the second round.

Whitehead has some of the best size at the point guard position that this year’s draft will offer. The 6’5″ 21-year-old prides himself on relentlessly attacking the basket and finishing at the rim. Although he often looked for his own scoring opportunities at Seton Hall, he is a highly capable passer and has the knack to create open looks for teammates.

His versatility would allow Budenholzer to have him back up Schroder at the point, or play the two alongside each other in the backcourt. With Whitehead’s size, he matches up well against opposing shooting guards.

One thing about his game that will have to improve is his wild and sometimes questionable decision-making with the ball. At times, he looked a bit reckless whether it was forcing up contested shots or trying to fit a pass in a window that simply wasn’t there.

Despite these flaws, he would still be a quality pick for the Hawks at No. 44.

Next: Caris LeVert