NBA Mock Draft 3.0 — Atlanta Hawks Win Number One Pick

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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) /

Atlanta Hawks. Anthony Edwards. 1. Pick Analysis. SG, Georgia. player. 125. Scouting Report

It was a weird year for top freshmen in the NCAA. James Wiseman was suspended then dropped out, Anthony Edwards played so-so ball for a bad Georgia team and Cole Anthony dealt with injuries and lackluster production in Chapel Hill.

Despite, the #1 pick in most mocks is Edwards, who showed enough flash in Athens to be drafted here by the Hawks.

The Atlanta native managed to make the All-SEC team despite disappointing play, still putting up solid enough stats. He averaged 19.1 points per game but needed nearly 16 shots per game to do so. A role where he’s less of an offensive focal point in the NBA is necessary to have him work on his consistency.

The Hawks have a plethora of young wings like Kevin Huerter, Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter to go along with their big three of Trae Young, John Collins, and Clint Capela. A selection of Edwards would boost their perimeter defense and give the 18-year-old time to develop his offensive game.

Edwards doesn’t bring the sure-fire upside that most first picks do, but the Hawks have enough young assets to take a chance on the high-ceiling Edwards.