A quick gander at a few players the Atlanta Hawks could select at #8 and #10 in the 2019 NBA Draft after the results of Tuesday night’s lottery.
Tuesday night’s 2019 NBA Draft Lottery came and went, and the Atlanta Hawks saw their name called way too early to have any chance at landing the night’s top prize, Zion Williamson. However, they did manage to keep the Mavericks’ pick at #10, which gives the team two bites at the apple in the draft.
While much of the focus so far has been on upper-tier players in the lottery, selecting at #8 and #10 means the Atlanta Hawks will have to focus on some slightly lower-tier prospects, while hoping that the draft board shakes out favorably above them.
Let’s take a look at five players that the Atlanta Hawks should ponder with their two picks in the mid-to-late lottery:
PJ Washington
A favorite of this writer’s PJ Washington’s stock seems a bit lower than it should be, as he has an NBA-ready frame, a solid outside stroke and the ultra-competitive drive necessary to help a team take the next step. At #8 or #10 in the 2019 NBA Draft, the Atlanta Hawks could be that team for the former Kentucky Wildcat.
Sekou Doumbouya
The lottery’s man of mystery, Sekou Doumbouya has produced some sterling highlights during his play for Limoges CSP in the French league. Doumbouya is one of the youngest players in this draft class, and he won’t turn 19 until late December. With two lottery picks, the Atlanta Hawks could really swing for the fences on upside by taking Doumbouya at 8th or 10th.
Jaxson Hayes
Perhaps the name that’s most commonly associated with the Atlanta Hawks in the later stages of the lottery in the 2019 NBA Draft is Jaxson Hayes out of Texas. An extremely enticing athlete who is very young, Hayes is a brilliant rim-runner that can block shots like a long-limbed banshee. Though raw, Hayes would make for an excellent home run swing with either the #8 or #10 pick.
Brandon Clarke
Brandon Clarke out of Gonzaga was one of the few players that boasts an all-around skill set and all-world athleticism that comes remotely close to Zion. An absurdly good finisher and defensive maven, Clarke could be an exceptional consolation prize for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Bol Bol
Last but far from least, the 7-foot-2 Bol Bol out of Oregon boasts a 7-foot-8 wingspan, a gorgeous shooting form and shot-blocking potential out the wazoo. Teams might be concerned about his frame, but the Atlanta Hawks could take a chance on him in the mid-to-late lottery in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Who else should the Atlanta Hawks be looking at with 8th and 10th picks? Let us know in the comments! Of course, expect a LOT more draft coverage as we get closer and closer to the draft day proper.