2018 NBA Draft: 6 Players the Atlanta Hawks Could Select 3rd Overall

By Chris Guest | May 20, 2018

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 16: Michigan State Spartans forward Jaren Jackson, Jr. (2) looks to the bench during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship First Round basketball game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Bucknell Bison on March 16, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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OMAHA, NE – MARCH 25: Marvin Bagley III #35 (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Marvin Bagley III

Selecting Marvin Bagley III out of Duke is the most likely scenario for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2018 NBA Draft. As our most recent mock draft stated, Bagley’s talent is undeniable, and he would come in as the most well-known and highly regarded rookie since at least Al Horford (maybe even since ‘Nique!).

Bagley’s college production was spectacular, and he completely dominated multiple games, finishing with 21.0 PPG, 11.1 RPG and 1.5 APG in 33.8 minutes played a night. He also had a ludicrously high 30.6 Player Efficiency Rating, which was 7^th-highest in the nation during the 2017-18 season.

Bagley would immediately become the focal point of the Hawks offense, especially if Dennis Schröder leaves via trade – which is a distinct possibility.

The Hawks need a player with superstar potential, and Bagley could certainly provide that immediately upon entering the league. Though his defense and fit with hopeful First Team All-Rookie member John Collins are questionable, the offensive potential and transcendent nature of his skill set make it too hard to pass on Bagley.