Soaring Down South
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ATL Splash Brothers? Hawks Select Kevin Huerter at 19

By Chris Guest

COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 10: Kevin Huerter #4 of the Maryland Terrapins takes a foul shot during a college basketball game against the Northwestern Wildcats at the Xfinity Center on February 10, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. The Terrapins won 73-57. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 10: Kevin Huerter #4 of the Maryland Terrapins takes a foul shot during a college basketball game against the Northwestern Wildcats at the Xfinity Center on February 10, 2018 in College Park, Maryland. The Terrapins won 73-57. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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After a shocking trade that sent the 3rd overall pick, the one and only Luka Doncic, to the Mavericks for the #5 overall pick, Trae Young, the Atlanta Hawks selected Kevin Huerter out of Maryland with the 19th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

In a fairly transparent move, Hawks GM Travis Schlenk is aiming to recreate the incredible success he experienced as a member of the Golden State Warriors front office by selecting his very own splash brothers with the first two picks the team has in this draft.

Huerter’s stock skyrocketed after excellent performances in scrimmages at the NBA Draft Combine, and his stellar feel and basketball IQ might serve as a solid door prize for what might’ve been with the Hawks and Luka Doncic.

With Young and Huerter on the court for Atlanta, the team’s shooting profiles have been immediately upgraded. Huerter also has terrific size as a two guard/wing prospect at 6-foot-7 and a rock-solid floor game that should prove important as he plays alongside Trae and Taurean Prince.

However, where Huerter truly shines is as a three-point marksman with a lightning-quick release. In two seasons at Maryland, Huerter shot 39.4 percent from deep on an impressive 59.7 percent three-point attempt rate.

The Hawks were ready and willing to shoot from deep last season, though they didn’t have the knockdown shooters that are required to fully utilize the three-ball.

With Young, Huerter, Tyler Dorsey and Taurean Prince on the court, their roster already looks to be able to fully utilize a spaced floor with John Collins in the middle (and spacing out to three at times as well).

Next: 7 Players Hawks Could Select at 30th Overall

Though we’re still reeling from the shocking trade down from #3 to #5, which was probably not the best move in franchise history, the prospect of seeing some sweet jumpers splash down from the hands of Young and Huerter is an exciting prospect.