Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Prospect Profile: Payton Pritchard

Scouting Payton Pritchard and his fit with the Atlanta Hawks.

As we trudge through our prospect profile series without knowing exactly when the NBA Draft will take place, we land on one of the classes’ more interesting players that the Atlanta Hawks could draft in the second round.

Payton Pritchard undoubtedly had one of the greatest college basketball careers of the past decade, playing four seasons for the Oregon Ducks and improving steadily throughout. He quarterbacked the Ducks to four very successful seasons while putting up great individual numbers.

As a senior, the 6’2 point guard averaged 20.5 points, 5.5 assists, 4.3 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game on 47 percent shooting. Pritchard is a smart playmaker and effortless scorer, although some have described him as a streaky shooter.

He can create his own shot both inside and out and features a lethally quick first step. Even taking into account the faster defenders, Pritchard should be able to get to the rim at the next level.

The biggest knock on him, however, is his age, as Pritchard will turn 23 before the All-Star Break next season. That’s definitely a turn-off, especially with the top of the draft being stacked with teenage studs.

He’ll need to offset those worries with his ability to come in and play day one, which he could certainly do, although it’ll almost certainly be in the G-League at first.

If given the chance, Pritchard could become a solid two-way point and become one of the draft classes’ best passers. He’s smart, experienced, and gritty, perfect for a late-round flier.

Fit with Atlanta Hawks:

Pritchard won’t be drafted by the Hawks and be asked to give big minutes right away, and I think that’s true for any team. He could be a big name ticket-seller for the College Park Skyhawks who’ll be entering their second season, and if he succeeds at that level, he could compete for Trae Young‘s back up role.

Should the Atlanta Hawks draft Payton Pritchard?