2018 NBA Draft: 5 Under-the-Radar Options for Atlanta Hawks

By Chris Guest | Jun 16, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Anfernee Simons #39 talks to the media during the NBA Draft Combine Day 1 at the Quest Multisport Center on May 17, 2018 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 Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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LEXINGTON, KY – JANUARY 30: Jarred Vanderbilt #2 of Kentucky (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Jarred Vanderbilt

A chiseled frame coupled with incredible rebounding skills makes Jarred Vanderbilt of Kentucky an interesting NBA prospect for the Hawks to consider in the second round.

Despite tweets surfacing that Vanderbilt might have a promise from an NBA team already, Vanderbilt’s astonishing rebounding prowess is worth a look from the Hawks by itself.

Vanderbilt only played 14 games with the Wildcats during the 2017-18 season due to an ankle/foot injury, but he led the team in rebounding with just over 8 per game in 17 minutes per contest. That makes his per-40 minute numbers 18.5 rebounds per game – an astonishing number that typifies Vanderbilt’s major skill.

The Hawks have long been hounded for their lack of rebounding in the frontcourt, even after the ill-fated Dwight Howard signing took place. Finally, the Hawks have a young big man in Second Team All-Rookie member John Collins who can fill up the box score with rebounds, but another young prospect who profiles to be a terrific rebounder would be a great fit.

If the Hawks want to take a flyer on an athletic, high-upside player like Vanderbilt – providing him enough time to rehab and recover from that lower body injury – Atlanta could have a steal on their hands.