A quick peek at why Zion Williamson would fit best on the Atlanta Hawks as opposed to any other team in the 2019 NBA Draft.
ESPN+ recently released a piece by Bobby Marks, Mike Schmitz, Jonathon Givony and Kevin Pelton detailing the best spots for Zion Williamson to land in the 2019 NBA Draft. Not unsurprisingly, the Atlanta Hawks were tops on that list with the Dallas Mavericks falling in right behind at #2.
Indeed, we have already outlined a few reasons why Zion would be a tremendous fit as the team’s centerpiece going forward with Trae Young and John Collins as important – but ancillary – pieces around the all-encompassing brilliance of Williamson.
Zion would take some of the heat off Trae in terms of Young being the team’s sole shot-creator on the perimeter, and Zion would also take a lot of the heat that JC has received regarding his defense due to Zion’s insane ability to block shots that is nowhere – using his wild leaping ability and peerless athleticism to affect shots he’s not even in the vicinity of.
Beyond that, the Atlanta Hawks played at a blistering pace in the 2018-19 season, and the team’s modern offensive profile, implemented by new head coach Lloyd Pierce, would benefit Zion’s amazing finishing ability around the basket.
The only real question mark about Zion’s game is his outside shooting, but given that Zion won’t turn 19 until July 6, there’s a good chance that he’ll be able to provide a semblance of a perimeter shot as his career continues. Also, he actually shot better than his vaunted teammates R.J. Barrett and Cam Reddish (who we’ve profiled here) from deep in his freshman season. Just food for thought.
The Atlanta Hawks will have a plethora of options to explore in the 2019 NBA Draft, but if they manage to nab the #1 overall pick somehow, the fit of Zion alongside an insanely fun young core of Young, Collins and Kevin Huerter would be absolutely fabulous.