Soaring Down South
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NBA Mock Draft 3.0 — Atlanta Hawks Win Number One Pick

By Dallin Duffy

ATHENS, GA - FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs gestures during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
ATHENS, GA - FEBRUARY 19: Anthony Edwards #5 of the Georgia Bulldogs gestures during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Stegeman Coliseum on February 19, 2020 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /
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NBA Mock Draft
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – JANUARY 30: Jaden McDaniels #0 of the Washington Huskies high-fives his teammates during player introductions before the game against the Arizona Wildcats at Hec Edmundson Pavilion on January 30, 2020 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. SF, Washington. Dallas Mavericks. 79. Jaden McDaniels. 18. player

McDaniels is this class’ most intriguing project pick, and whatever team drafts him will need to devote 2-3 years for him to develop. The 6’10 forward is as talented as he is raw, and if he’s able to reign in his athleticism, he could be a very good player in the league.

A near-lock to go in the lottery preseason, he’ll most likely be available here or even later, thanks in large part to a very lackluster season in Seattle. In his one season as a Husky, he averaged just 13.0 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, recording more turnovers than assists. McDaniels shot just 40 percent from the field and 33 percent from three.

While the offense will take time, his defense should be better from day one. He has quick feet considering his frame and can feasibly play the three, four or even five in small-ball scenarios.

A few months or even a full season in the G-League could do a lot of favors for McDaniels who has sky-high potential.