15 Non-Lottery Draft Pick Options for Atlanta Hawks
By Chris Guest
Devonte’ Graham
Devonte’ Graham, who piloted a terrific Kansas team to a berth in the Final Four, had a standout senior season and should be rewarded with a late-first or early second-round selection.
The Hawks could do with more depth at the point guard spot, as Coach Bud rolled out lineups in the final games of the season that started Damion Lee and DeAndre’ Bembry as the primary ballhandlers – who are not true point guards. Atlanta has also lacked shooting from the point guard position ever since Dennis Schröder took over starting duties from Jeff Teague; sure Schröd will attempt those shots with great haste, but he would never be confused for a great shooter.
Graham would immediately upgrade Atlanta’s backcourt shooting abilities as a backup with his 40.6 percent clip from deep. Though Graham’s finishing at the rim is suspect, he is a terrific passer, as his 7.5 assists per game in the Big 12 would indicate. Though undersized, Graham is quick and smart as a ballhandler, which could serve him well in the Hawks ball movement-heavy system.