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Edmond Sumner Could Provide Great Value For the Atlanta Hawks

By Collin Huguley

Jan 29, 2017; Queens, NY, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) drives past St. John's Red Storm forward Tariq Owens (11) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 29, 2017; Queens, NY, USA; Xavier Musketeers guard Edmond Sumner (4) drives past St. John's Red Storm forward Tariq Owens (11) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Hawks need to hit on their draft picks. Edmond Sumner could provide good value at No. 31.

One of the glaring needs for the Atlanta Hawks this season was a backup point guard.

The rotating door of Jose Calderon and Malcolm Delaney provided little stability behind starter Dennis Schroder. And while veterans are more desirable in backup point guard roles, especially to young guards like Schroder, the NBA Draft can provide some gems for the Hawks to uncover.

Xavier’s Edmond Sumner could be that gem.

Sumner was a hot prospect heading into this past college basketball season but a torn ACL cut his sophomore campaign short for the Musketeers. But in the 22 games that he did play, Sumner displayed his talent as a downhill, scoring, combo guard.

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The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game on 47.9 percent shooting. His size, handle, and quickness make him a potentially dangerous scorer in the NBA as a third guard and that impact can be made soon.

The Hawks need another bench scorer along with a backup point guard and Sumner could be both. He also has the size and length to guard multiple positions and maybe even play next to Schroder. Before his injury, Sumner as being discussed as a potential lottery pick and that talent is still there with him. He is aggressive and an excellent attacker of the paint.

But there are still a few worries with his game.

His three-point shooting is not where it needs to be, as he shot only 27.3 percent from beyond the arc. And of course, the injury is a concern. Knee injuries are ones that can linger and reoccur over the course of one’s career.

However, if the Hawks were to take Sumner at pick No. 31, he would be well worth the risk.

The measurables and scoring ability alone make him a worthwhile gamble at that spot and the fact that he is 21 years old and spent several years in college could allow him to be a more immediate contributor.

It is very difficult for a team to find a solid rotation player in the second round of the draft. But Sumner has more talent than the average second-rounder. His skill set could make him a very solid NBA player for several years and could help fill some of the holes in the Hawks’ roster without spending a lot of money. He is also not so raw that his chances of being successful are hampered.

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Sumner provides a very nice floor-ceiling combo for a potential second-round pick and the Hawks should be willing to pull the trigger.