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

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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Dec 2, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) shoots over Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2014; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines guard Caris LeVert (23) shoots over Syracuse Orange forward Chris McCullough (5) in the first half at Crisler Center. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Caris LeVert- Michigan

2015-16 statistics: 16.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 4.9 APG

If LeVert is still available at No. 44, the Hawks should definitely consider selecting him. However, there are some major caution flags that come with him. The 6’7″ combo guard has seen his stock drop significantly because of a few injuries that kept him sidelined for a good portion of his career, but if he can manage to stay healthy, LeVert would be a weapon the Hawks could certainly use.

His size offers the versatility to play three different positions including point guard. LeVert has a very smooth swagger about himself and to his game. He isn’t ridiculously explosive, but he can be deceptive with his movements to help him get by defenders. With the chance that the Hawks lose both Kent Bazemore and Jeff Teague, LeVert could help supply depth to both positions.

He isn’t the type of player to create a ton of shots off the dribble, but he’s shown great ability in catch-and-shoot situations. Shooting 53.3 percent from the field and 45 percent from deep indicates his ability to make shots. Playing next to Schroder, he would see plenty of open shots come his way around the arc.

Although he is long, LeVert still has work to do developing his strength, which also will bring struggles on defense in the NBA. With a little time devoted to the weight room and dieting correctly, LeVert could gain some mass to help with bigger players that he will be matching up against.

Next: Isaiah Cousins