Soaring Down South
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Prospect Profile: CJ Elleby

By Dallin Duffy

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: CJ Elleby #2 of the Washington State Cougars tries to maneuver around Jaime Jaquez Jr. #4 of the UCLA Bruins in the second half at Pauley Pavilion on February 13, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 13: CJ Elleby #2 of the Washington State Cougars tries to maneuver around Jaime Jaquez Jr. #4 of the UCLA Bruins in the second half at Pauley Pavilion on February 13, 2020 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Prospect Profile: CJ Elleby

With all signs pointing to the league pushing back the NBA Draft, we can dig a bit deeper with our prospect profile series. Here we’ll be taking a look at Washington State forward CJ Elleby and his potential fit with the Atlanta Hawks.

Elleby returned to Wazzu after briefly declaring for the 2019 NBA Draft (even working out with the Hawks before withdrawing), and put up solid numbers as a sophomore. All of his averages shot up but his shooting percentages did take a hit with his larger role.

He averaged 18.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.8 steals per game en route to being named to the Pac-12 First Team. He took nearly 17 shots per game from the small forward position, making less than 40 percent from the field.

Elleby’s potential is as a two-way role player, and Elleby’s defense was much improved this season. The lanky forward stays in front of defenders well and offers switchability with his ideal size.

He plays the nuisance role well, and will easily get under the opponent’s skin with his frequent attempts to strip the ball away. Elleby’s 1.8 steals per game led the Pac-12 last season.

On the other end, Elleby has an odd, over-the-head release on his jumper, which could certainly use some fine-tuning. His percentages should go up when he’s asked to do less in the pros as well. He could be the best non-guard catch-and-shoot player to be available in the late second round.

The 6’6 sophomore lacks explosive athleticism of forwards who’ll be taken before him but still has enough pop to throw down open slams. He could finish through traffic on occasion in college, but likely will never be known as more than a shooter at the next level.

Fit with Atlanta Hawks:

No team can have too many three-and-D players and the Atlanta Hawks will take any defensive help they can get. Elleby has a good chance to still be on the board when the Hawks are ready to use their lone second-round pick (55), and they could certainly do worse than him.

Elleby may never be a star or even a starter at the next level but should be able to make a career out of being a two-way bench piece.

Next. Prospect profile: Markus Howard. dark

Should the Atlanta Hawks draft CJ Elleby?