Atlanta Hawks: Best-Case Scenario 2019 NBA Mock Draft
By Chris Guest
No. 11 –Rui Hachimura (Cavs)
This is the pick that is least likely to convey to the Hawks in 2019. In fact, seeing as this draft pick belongs to the Cleveland Cavaliers (who are an NBA-worst 1-8 on the season as of this writing), it is almost a near certainty that the Cavs will retain it in 2019.
Sorry to bring realism into this, however! If we’re tossing out best-case scenarios, let’s say the Cavs turn it around behind rookie Collin Sexton (who the veterans believe “doesn’t know how to play”) and have only the 11th-worst record in the league – allowing the Atlanta Hawks to scoop up the Top 10-protected pick that was obtained in the Kyle Korver trade in the 2016-17 season.
If they do, the Hawks should zoom to the podium to select Rui Hachimura out of Gonzaga.
Hachimura returned to Gonzaga for his junior season, but he only turns 20 in February, meaning he will have some college seasoning as well as plenty of international experience as the star of some of Japan’s best U18 teams of all time.
At 6-foot-8 and 235 pounds, Hachimura has great size and has shown a knack for being able to finish plays around the basket with ease. A staunch body, Hachimura would allow for the Hawks to create a fascinating and malleable frontcourt around a rotation of Hachimura, Spellman and Collins that would feature great athleticism, solid outside shooting and supreme switchability in small-ball scenarios.