Atlanta Hawks: Best-Case Scenario 2019 NBA Mock Draft
By Chris Guest
No. 6. – Romeo Langford (Mavs)
Selecting #6 overall is the best the Atlanta Hawks can do with the Dallas Mavericks 2019 first rounder obtained via the Luka Doncic/Trae Young trade. In this scenario, the Mavs would have to be fairly bad, but not among the 5 worst teams in the league. The Mavs current record is 2-7, which is 5th-worst in the league (as of this writing).
However, let’s keep that optimism shining! For the #6 overall selection, there should be multiple high-upside options still on the board, though the high-flying and inimitably entertaining Duke teammate of R.J. Barrett, the aforementioned Zion, will likely no longer be among them.
Romeo Langford out of Indiana will serve as an excellent consolation prize at 6th overall. A talented scorer with a smooth jumper and terrific feel, Langford’s 6-foot-6 frame and 6-foot-11 wingspan gives him NBA-ready size out of the gate, which he employs as a solid on-ball defender who reads the floor well.
As a solid ballhandler and passer, Langford can easily draw defenders into the paint with his speed and first step, allowing him to spread the ball around in drive-and-kick scenarios.
Though drafting a like-sized player to both Barrett and Huerter might not seem like a bright move, the NBA is moving towards a position-less league, so drafting for positional need is no longer particularly en vogue.
Beyond that, the Hawks should be in complete “talent acquisition” mode – trying to obtain the best player available at each draft spot – no matter the fit. Langford would fit that mold.