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2018 NBA Draft: Hawks Should Select Mo Bamba 3rd Overall

By Chris Guest

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Mohamed Bamba poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Mohamed Bamba poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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After an uninspiring 2017-18 season, the Atlanta Hawks know that they will select 3rd overall in the upcoming 2018 NBA Draft.

Though multiple options are available there, and we have already provided a mock draft following the lottery’s festivities, it is also prescient to highlight every potential draft pick the Hawks could make with their own first round selection.

As such, here is our argument why the Atlanta Hawks should make a rather shocking decision: Taking Mohamed Bamba out of Texas with the 3rd overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

I know, I know. But what about Marvin Bagley III? What about Jaren Jackson Jr.?

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While both of those players would be excellent selections, bringing likely franchise-changing talent to a team that was severely lacking in that department last season, Bamba perhaps has the highest ceiling of any one of those three players, and according to Reid Forgrave of CBS Sports, he was one of the best-prepared players during the interview processes with teams after the lottery.

According to Forgrave: “One elite player who is moving upward: Texas big man Mohamed Bamba. Executives told me the stunningly mature Bamba aced the interviews; when plenty of players were dragging from one interview to the next in sweatpants and a lack of preparation, Bamba wore a suit and came prepared to answer specific questions about each team. Nobody doubts Bamba’s ceiling, which might be the highest in this draft. Nobody doubts his brain. The biggest question is whether he can bulk up and be able to hang on the block with NBA veteran big men.”

There is no question that Bamba has elite physical tools, as his zany, comically huge 7’10” wingspan was the longest ever recorded at the NBA Draft Combine, besting Rudy Gobert’s 7’8½” record from a few seasons ago.

Bamba employed that length to incredible effect in college, finishing 4th in the NCAA in total blocks (111) and 3rd in block rate (13.1%).

His incredible physical gifts didn’t translate as well to the offensive end, though he was an efficient scorer on putback attempts and via cuts, using his immense size and length and basketball IQ to score efficiently around the rim.

Recently, footage has appeared showing Bamba draining threes with a retooled shooting stroke, something that is sure to have the attentions of GMs everywhere, including in Atlanta.

If Bamba can put on some muscle, work on his perimeter defending skills and polish his offensive game, the Hawks could be looking at the next potential unicorn – all for a player who will just have turned 20 on draft day.

Next: 6 Players the Hawks Could Take 3rd Overall

Couple all that upside with Bamba’s remarkable aptitude in interviews, it is likely that he will not fall out of the top 5, and it might be the Hawks who end up taking him 3rd overall.