Atlanta Hawks: 5 Most Exciting Players in 2019-20

Bruno Fernando

Now we get into the new faces on the Atlanta Hawks for the 2019-20 season.

Rookies always get a ton of hype in the preseason (and during the season) simply because they are the “new shiny” guy on the block, and everything they do during their first season is that – a first.

However, in Fernando’s case, the hype should be even higher considering GM Schlenk had a first-round grade on Fernando but he waited until early in the second round to pull the trigger on trading up for the Maryland big man.

As such, Fernando was undervalued yet valued enough that he was prioritized in the second round by the Atlanta Hawks.

And there’s good reason for that, Fernando is clearly a physical specimen as he looks the part of an enforcing defensive presence and rim-running terror on the offensive end simply due to his jacked frame and hulking size.

While Dewayne Dedmon was extremely effective during his two seasons in Atlanta, he had more of a wiry, sinewy strength rather than raw heft – which is something that Fernando innately possesses.

Beyond that, his defensive chops should help the team improve on that end while he also delivers regular dunks off wizardly passes from Ice Trae.