Atlanta Hawks: 7 Takeaways from First Week of Preseason

Omari Spellman Will Be Exciting to Watch

Though he missed the lone Atlanta Hawks victory in the preseason, rookie Omari Spellman has already made a big impact upon returning from a minor injury during the offseason.

Drafted 30th overall, aka the Jimmy Butler spot, Spellman has played in the last two preseason games – even starting the last one in place of the resting John Collins. He lived up to his starting pedigree in the contest, putting together an impressive, do-everything stat line of 10 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal and 1 block in 27 minutes of action.

Spellman’s combination of athleticism and shooting ability make for an interesting player archetype, and the way he employs his natural, fluid athleticism is thoroughly enjoyable to watch.

Graceful and elegant in his movements, Spellman does not strike me as someone who weighs 245 pounds. In fact, his quick feet and acrobatic effort plays make him look as if he’s a wiry wing out there – not a hulking pseudo-center who could also bang with bigs if the need arose.

While his three-point shot still looks a bit flat to these eyes (though his mechanics are good and the shot goes in with regularity), Spellman’s overall effort and intensity does indeed bring to mind a certain Draymond Green – minus the defense and plus a jumper.

We’ve already delved into the idea that Hawks GM Schlenk is trying to establish the Warriors of the East with Spellman, Young and Huerter playing the role of Green, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, respectively, and after watching Spellman play, one can’t help but think that Schlenk might’ve succeeded on drafting a similar player to Draymond with Spellman.

No matter what, it’s going to be fun to watch him grow going forward – much like it has been through the first three preseason games of the year.