2018 Draft: 5 Possible Top-5 Picks for the Atlanta Hawks

Mo Bamba

Mohamed Bamba out of the University of Texas is having a tremendous freshman year.

Bamba projects to be a top-flight defensive talent, and he would also fill a need for the Hawks as a thunderous rim-runner on offense (13.6 points on only 9.5 field goals per game) and a terrifying shot-blocker/rim-protector on defense (Bamba averages a whopping 4 blocks per game in 31.3 minutes per game).

Again, pairing Bamba with John Collins would create a lethal twosome in the frontcourt, and one which would have perhaps the best defensive upside of any Hawks’ frontcourt in recent history.

Though Bamba is exceedingly thin and his 6’11”, 225-lb frame does not quite look NBA-ready, if the Hawks’ draft pick falls below 1 or 2, the team should definitely consider taking Bamba — solely for a chance to improve on their porous 25^th-ranked defense.

Next: Atlanta Hawks Players Grades at the All-Star Break

These are just a few scenarios, but the top of this draft is absolutely stacked, and the Hawks have a unique opportunity to grab a gifted young player that could transform this team’s fortunes for many years.

Though this Hawks team might not be the most engaging, be patient – the fruits of this tough season will bear out if Atlanta can nab an amazing rookie for next year.