Atlanta Hawks: A Blueprint on letting Paul Millsap walk during Free Agency

Step 1: Draft His Replacement

The Hawks currently hold the 19th, 31st, and 60th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, and a number of intriguing players are projected to be available at these positions. The 60th pick will not likley be used to fill a pivotal role within the franchise, but the 19th and 31st picks could both be potentially used to replace Millsap long-term.

Arizona’s  Lauri Markkanen would have to fall substantially to get to the Hawks 19th pick, as DraftExpress.com‘s most recent mock draft has him being selected with the seventh pick by the Timberwolves. After Markkanen, there is a drop-off of power forwards before a large variety of players arises.

Wake Forest’s John Collins averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds per game during his sophomore campaign, while shooting a scorching 62.2 percent from the field. Collins also blocked 1.6 shots per game as a sophomore, showing that his defensive potential may catch up to Millsap’s over time. He is projected to go anywhere from the late lottery to the end of the first round, making him a possible selection for the Hawks at the 19th or 31st pick.

Next: Soaring Down South's 2017 NBA Mock Draft

UCLA’S T.J Leaf may be the most Millsap-like player in the draft. His 16.3 points per game came from all over the floor, shooting 46.6 percent from behind the arc on 1.7 attempts per game. He grabbed 8.2 rebounds per game, and dished out 2.4 assists per game in UCLA’s offensive-minded offense. Leaf blocked 1.1 shots per game during his one and only season under coach Steve Alford, but was consistently heralded as a good defender due to his hustle, a trait he shares with Millsap heavily. DraftExpress currently has Leaf as the 21st pick in the draft, meaning that it is possible that he will be available with the 19th selection.

Leaf could actually become something like a Millsap 2.0, whose outside shooting and passing skills make up for slightly less rebounding prowess.