Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Lottery Preview

By Chris Guest

ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 26: General Manager Travis Schlenk of the Atlanta Hawks introduces new draft pick John Collins during a Press Conference on June 26, 2017 at Fox Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JUNE 26: General Manager Travis Schlenk of the Atlanta Hawks introduces new draft pick John Collins during a Press Conference on June 26, 2017 at Fox Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Mohamed Bamba
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Mohamed Bamba /

#6 Overall Pick
15.5% odds
Best Pick: Trae Young / Mo Bamba / Mikal Bridges
Other Possibilities: Wendell Carter Jr. / Collin Sexton / Miles Bridges

Though one of Young or Bamba will likely be off the table by this point, if either one of them is still available, the Hawks should not hesitate to take them here at sixth overall.

Selecting Bridges here would also be a terrific choice, as his athletic frame, stellar length, defensive acumen and shooting stroke make him a near “five-tool player” in today’s NBA.

If he’s still available, Bamba could also transform the Hawks porous paint defense if selected here by providing the team with a terrifying rim protector not seen in Atlanta since the 90s – when Dikembe Mutombo patrolled the hardwood and swatted shots with reckless abandon. Furthermore, he’s been working on his perimeter shot this offseason, which is a good sign for his work ethic at the next level.