Atlanta Hawks 2019 Offseason Grades: Drafting Bruno Fernando #34 Overall

Our offseason grades series continues by exploring the decision the Atlanta Hawks made to draft Bruno Fernando at #34 overall.

On 2019 draft night, the Atlanta Hawks had previously  traded away their #35 overall pick as part of the package to move up to #4 overall. When it became apparent that Bruno Fernando would be available around that time, Hawks General Manager Travis Schlenk sprung into action and pulled the trigger on a trade to obtain the #34 overall pick from the Philadelphia 76ers.

With that pick, the team selected Fernando out of Maryland. Many scouts believed that Fernando would not last past the 20s, let alone past the first round, but a few surprising selections in the late teens and 20s (as always) caused chaos on draft boards across the country.

Since Fernando slipped to the second round, how does this pick stack up when compared to the rest of the Atlanta Hawks 2019 draft night?

First off, Fernando fills a position of need what with Dewayne Dedmon signing with the Sacramento Kings on a 3-year/$40 million deal. Without Dedmon on the roster, the only three pure centers the Hawks have are Alex Len, Fernando and Damian Jones – who was acquired from the Warriors in the Omari Spellman trade.

Fernando is a tantalizing talent and his frame is certainly NBA-ready. Fernando stands at a hulking 6-foot-10 with a shredded 237-pound frame and a wingspan that’s over 7-foot-3. On offense, Fernando projects to have a rock-solid jumper that could expand out to the three-point line and he is an engaged and active passer in short-roll scenarios.

Schlenk and Hawks head coach Lloyd Pierce will certainly give Fernando all the opportunities in the world this season to become entrenched as the team’s starting center, as it is unclear if Alex Len will be retained past this season – especially if Fernando truly excels.

Grade: A

The Atlanta Hawks clearly valued Fernando and moving back into the second round cost them barely anything. A strong move this offseason to be sure.

Come back tomorrow for more Atlanta Hawks offseason grades as well as other news and updates on Soaring Down South.