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2018 NBA Draft: Atlanta Hawks Big Man Options at 3rd Overall

By Jack ODonnell

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Jaren Jackson Jr. 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, Jaren Jackson Jr. 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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CHICAGO – MAY 15: Jaren Jackson Jr. , DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO – MAY 15: Jaren Jackson Jr. , DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley III (Photo by Randy Belice/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Final Verdict

Although it might seem like the Hawks can’t go wrong with any pick, two guys seem to stand out when talking about fit on this team.

Jackson Jr. has an elite 3 ball that very few centers in the league possess. Guys like Al Horford or Serge Ibaka are the kind of potential we’re looking at for Jackson.

Bamba might not have the shooting stroke (or maybe he does) but if he can become Rudy Gobert with some offensive capabilities, the Hawks could finally have its anchor at center. Being a great defender at the 1-3 positions isn’t as complicated as being the heart of a defense. Guards and forwards just need to try to stay in front of their man. Centers, on the other hand, are the last line of defense while also being the guy responsible for calling out coverages and determining whose man is whose.

As for Bagley, he doesn’t seem to fit as well next to a guy like John Collins (who managed to nab an All-Rookie Second Team selection for the Hawks in his rookie season). If we already had a center that could dominate on the defensive end then I’d be all for drafting an uber-athletic talent like Bagley. But next to Collins we seem to be doubling up on too many things. Both are below-average shooters and aren’t great shot blockers. Yes, we would cure our rebounding problem from the Horford and Paul Millsap days, but we would become way too predictable on the offensive end. Lanes would be clogged and we would be putting too much pressure on our backcourt.

Now if Collins and/or Bagley can develop a realiable jumper then that completely changes the argument, but until then, give me Jackson or Bamba. With either we would clear up Collin’s inefficiencies on defense and with Jackson we could get some rare floor spacing from the center position.

Next: Final Hawks Mock Draft Before NBA Draft on June 21

The NBA Draft comes on Thursday, June 21st. Make sure to tune in and see where the future of the Atlanta Hawks is headed!