Atlanta Hawks: Mock Draft at the Halfway Point of 2018-19 Season
By Chris Guest
#35. Grant Williams, Tennessee
While this might be a cop-out, it’s very hard to choose between the dynamic duo that is leading the Tennessee Volunteers to one of its best seasons in recent memory. The Vols are a juggernaut in the SEC, and Grant Williams and Admiral Schofield are the main reasons why.
We’ve previously expressed interest in the Hawks drafting Schofield due to his hulking frame, great feel, terrific work ethic and defensive versatility (as well as his all-time great name).
However, Grant Williams is having the superior season of the two of them and is putting up stupendous numbers on both sides of the ball. On offense, Tennessee’s offense runs almost solely through Williams, and his great passing vision and quick decision-making leads to a lot of plays in which Williams carves up opposing SEC defense.
Of course, Williams is also a hulking figure on the defensive end that’s fairly fleet of foot for a 6-foot-7, 240-pound bruiser.
After being named the SEC Player of the Year last season with a terrific Tennessee team, Williams has improved across the board this year and has the Vols in serious national title consideration. Williams is playing over 30 minutes a night for the Volunteers, and his per-game production is fairly staggering: 18.8 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 3.9 APG, 1.6 BPG and 1.1 SPG.
His 129.6 offensive rating and 66.5 percent true shooting percentage are both in the Top 35 across the country. If the Vols make a lengthy NCAA Tournament run, expect NBA scouts and draftniks to send Williams soaring in terms of draft stock.
For the Hawks, a big, burly defensive-minded wing/big man hybrid who could serve as the team’s secondary offensive playmaker would be a huge boon.