Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft Big Board 1.0 with 30 player comparisons.
The Atlanta Hawks have options aplenty heading into the 2020 NBA Draft. They can stay put with their top-8 pick and take a top prospect, trade down and pick up another asset along with a later pick, or trade out of the draft entirely and perhaps land a star player in return.
Obviously they’ll be doing their due diligence when it comes to scouting, and as I have taken a look at more of these players, I’m coming around on the draft class as a whole. While they’re no clear-cut top prospects like Zion Williamson or Ben Simmons, the draft is incredibly deep.
Usually, only 10-20 players out of the 60 drafted become solid NBA players, and I could see that number go up for this draft, even if there are no certified All-stars. Here we’ll be putting together the first iteration of our Atlanta Hawks big board, ranking the top 30 prospects.
I’ve put these rankings together based on a mix of my personal preference and the prospects’ fit with the team. Players like Obi Toppin and James Wiseman will and should be higher on other big boards, but since their fit on the Hawks is less defined, they’ll be lower on this big board.
Just Missed:
- Daniel Oturu
- Isaiah Joe
- Isaiah Stewart
- Zeke Nnaji
- Malachi Flynn
- Grant Riller
Measurables
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’4
Weight: 174 lbs
Wingspan: 6’8
Overview:
Maledon was thought to closer to a lottery pick than a second-round pick, but here we are. The French point guard had a mediocre season for ASVEL, showing a genuine lack of some fundamentals and polish on others. He’s made it clear he doesn’t want to be a euro-stash player, but he might need some G-League time to develop up to his max potential.
NBA Outlook:
At his current state, Maledon is a floor general with solid basketball IQ on both ends. His ceiling in the NBA relies on his ability to hit shots both inside and out, and adding muscle to avoid being pushed around on D.
Player Comparison:
Tony Parker has been the all-too-easy comparison for Maledon, as not are they both french one guards, Parker has served as his mentor in the Euro League. A more likely player comparison is someone like Michael Carter-Williams or Elfrid Payton.
Fit With the Atlanta Hawks:
Maldeon will be at his best running a second unit and the Hawks are in search of a backup point guard. He has the potential to be a starting level guard on both ends of the court, but the Hawks – who are likely to be playoff hunting – may prefer a more established player to back up Trae Young.
Measurables:
Position: Point Guard
Height: 6’3
Weight: 179
Wingspan: 6’2.5
Overview:
Moving from one point guard who under-achieved last season to another, Nico Mannion is a head-scratcher for most. Mannion was projected to go in the top-ten in most preseason mock drafts, but his play in Arizona was pretty worrisome.
NBA Outlook:
Despite his ever-growing list of flaws, Mannion is already an elite passer and shot-creator. His frame is the biggest question mark, and it’s easy to see him getting pushed around on both ends of the floor in the NBA, just like he was in the Pac-12.
Player Comparison:
Suns-era Goran Dragic.
Fit With the Atlanta Hawks:
Mannion is essentially a worse version of Trae Young at this moment, making Mannion’s fit in Atlanta questionable at best. Unless they want to double-down on that archetype, the Hawks probably shouldn’t take Mannion unless he slides deep into the second round.
Measurables:
Position: Power forward
Height: 6’10
Weight: 225
Wingspan: 7’1
Overview:
The first of a few defensive-minded forwards who are likely to have their names called right before the second round begins. Jalen Smith is a pro-ready, high-IQ four lacking depth to his game. He’s good at what he does, but does he do enough?
NBA Outlook:
He flashes old school flair on both ends, featuring a bag of tricks in the post and a physical, smart brand on interior defense. His outside shooting improved tremendously from his freshman to sophomore seasons but is still far from consistent.
Player Comparison:
A modern-day Serge Ibaka is often used as a comparison, and the two do show similarities on both ends. I also see a bit of Nerlens Noel in Smith minus Noels’ lack of perimeter shooting.
Fit With the Atlanta Hawks:
The Hawks have a full frontcourt but Smith’s inside-out defense is something any team would make room for. John Collins is still looking for a long-term backup, and Smith can be that, but there will be better options in both the draft and free agency.
Measurables:
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6’7
Weight: 180
Wingspan: 6’8
Overview:
A modern-day combo guard with good size and room to grow. He shows great instincts and feel of the game for a teenager, which is unfortunately offset with a lack of a jumper and shot-creation skills.
NBA Outlook:
High-effort, high-IQ players will always have a spot in the league, and Bolmaro will have a solid career as a role player at the very least. He has clearly defined barriers to overcome to become a consistent starter-level guard, and teams will have to decide whether he’s better suited as a one or two.
Player Comparison:
Tomáš Satoranský but with a much higher ceiling. Also could be seen as a poor man’s Ben Simmons who’s not afraid to shoot threes, no matter the result.
Fit With the Atlanta Hawks:
The Hawks are still looking for a secondary ball-handler to take double-team pressure off Trae Young, and Bolmaro is one of the top options in the class to fill that role. His defensive presence would also be appreciated greatly.
Measurables:
Position: Small/power forward
Height: 6’10
Weight: 184
Wingspan: 6’11.5
Overview:
The above measurables jump off the page, as they should. McDaniels’ height and wingspan in relation to his ball-handling ability is extremely rare and will make him a first-round pick despite his struggles as a freshman.
NBA Outlook:
McDaniels struggled in nearly every aspect of the game in Seattle but flashed the potential of being a two-way point forward at times. He might be the rawest prospect on this big board, but that could make him the best value pick of the draft if he can polish his game even just slightly.
Player Comparison:
Think of a mix between Domantas Sabonis and Brandon Ingram at his peak, a mix of Marquese Chriss and Thon Maker at his floor.
Fit With the Atlanta Hawks:
While the influx of young talent does allow the Hawks some room to take a chance on a boom-or-bust prospect like McDaniels, and he’s certainly a titillating talent. His ability to play three, possibly four positions allows him to see the floor despite the team’s already deep bench. If the value is there, I like the pick and is one player the Hawks could trade down for.
Measurables:
Position: Power forward
Height: 6’9
Weight: 223
Wingspan: 7’2.5
Overview:
A defensive-minded big man who can play the four or some small-ball five. Attractive wingspan and block numbers (1.9 per game) at Memphis will make him a favorite of GM’s in search of a better interior presence.
NBA Outlook:
Achiuwa is not pro-ready; he’ll need some development before the game slows down and he becomes more poised. His offensive game leaves a lot to be desired and there’s not much to like there outside of rim-runs. He struggled with threes, mid-rangers, and free throws as a freshman.
Player Comparison:
A young and lanky Tobias Harris is best-case, modern-day John Henson worst-case.
Fit With the Atlanta Hawks:
Atlanta certainly shouldn’t be waving away any defensive threats, but Achiuwa has a lot of downfalls on the other end, no matter how shots he’ll contest.
Measurables:
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6’4
Weight: 195
Wingspan: 6’6
Overview:
A three-point hunter with a pretty-looking jumper. Erratic perimeter defender that’s split the opinions of draft pundits all season.
NBA Outlook:
A 3-and-D wing lacking the polish of comparable players in the draft. Likely will never be more than a role player, but can be a high-end one.
Player Comparison:
Dion Waiters.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Fills holes for the Hawks but the team can find more predictable options in the draft and free agency, including the next player on this list.
Measurables:
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6’5
Weight: 215
Wingspan: 6’4
Overview:
Bane should be higher on the Hawks’ board than other teams, as the senior guard checks a lot of boxes for the team. He’s a sturdy if not unspectacular 3-and-D guard, ready for heavy minutes as a rookie.
NBA Outlook:
The upside is limited, and he’s more likely to be a solid bench piece than a future All-Star. But Bane plays hard and defends well. His 44 percent clip from three last season is only the cherry on top.
Player Comparison:
Kris Dunn without the playmaking or Gary Trent.
Fit With the Atlanta Hawks:
As mentioned, Bane makes a lot of sense for the Hawks. He doesn’t possess the star power, but the Hawks don’t need that. They need consistent perimeter play on both ends, which Bane can certainly bring.
Measurables:
Position: Point guard
Height: 6’1
Weight: 160
Wingspan: Unlisted
Overview:
A free-shooting point guard with logo-range but a very questionable frame. Terry made over 40 percent of his 4.9 threes per game last season, making nearly 90 from the free-throw line.
NBA Outlook:
His shooting form and splits are as encouraging as his defense and playmaking are discouraging. Terry plays more like a shooting guard but is already short for a point guard. He drastically needs to work on his playmaking before teams can comfortably ask him to run an offense.
Player Comparison:
Patty Mills with less defense.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
With an undersized, three-point sniper with elite passing ability already running things in Atlanta, it’s hard to see Tyrell Terry being a top priority for GM Travis Schlenk. Terry can be good in the league, but his fit with the Hawks is far from ideal.
Measurables:
Position: Power forward
Height: 6’9
Weight: 220
Wingspan: 7’2
Overview:
A throwback, physical four who turned heads with gaudy STOCK numbers as a junior. Plays like a small forward on offense, able to slash and finish at the rim with either hand.
NBA Outlook:
Paul Reed will rise big boards of any GM who believes in switchable, pointless defense, as Reed can defend inside and out confidently. He made strides as a perimeter shooter during his three seasons with DePaul, but never found the success outside that he did in the paint.
Player Comparison:
Jonathan Issac without the point-forward playmaking.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Reed can help fill the Hawks’ open backup four spot and help provide defense on both levels, which is still a need for the young team.
Measurables:
Position: Point guard
Height: 6’2
Weight: 185
Wingspan: 6’4
Overview:
Rare defensive tools for his stature make him an interesting fit in a point guard class full of offensive-minded shooters.
NBA Outlook:
Jones can carve out a career in the NBA on his perimeter defense alone, which he may have to do. Nearly every other part of his game is a question mark, but his defense and motor cannot be ignored.
Player Comparison:
Kris Dunn, Quinn Cook, or a poor man’s Marcus Smart.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
It’s easy to say Jones would fit with the Hawks to help offset Trae Young’s lackluster defense, and it’s easy to say because it’s true. He can be a perfect backup to Trae and his confident mindset makes him solid injury protection.
Measurables:
Position: Power forward
Height: 6’8
Weight: 225
Wingspan: 6’11
Overview:
Williams is an interesting prospect with a unique playstyle. He’s a power forward but plays like a slashing guard with both finishing and play-making abilities. Spot up shooting is still an issue, as is his perimeter defense.
NBA Outlook:
Tough to say, but teams might fancy Williams as a (very) small-ball five like how the Rockets use P.J Tucker. He can make strides offensively while fine-tuning his defensive game, which is much more pro-ready.
NBA Comparison:
Uber-athletic P.J Tucker.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
I struggle to find Williams’ fit on other teams, let alone on the Hawks. He’s baffled me as a prospect, but hey, the Hawks do have room in the frontcourt, so why not?
Measurables:
Position: Power forward
Height: 7’0
Weight: 201
Wingspan: 7’1
Overview:
The biggest question mark of the 2020 NBA Draft, whoever drafts Aleksej Pokuševski will be taking a true home run swing. The big man played on the same Greece team as Giannis Antetokounmpo, playing well but against what kind of competition?
NBA Outlook:
First of all, he very well may be stashed overseas for a few seasons, pausing his NBA career for a bit. Second, his frame is not one that usually sees success in the NBA. He’s 7-foot-tall and weighs in a tick over 200 pounds, but he plays like he’s 180. His interior defense will always be questioned.
Player Comparison:
A skinny Kristaps Porzingis is his absolute ceiling.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
The Hawks will likely want their rookie to play next season, making the likely draft-and-stash candidate lower on their board than he’ll be on other teams who can afford to let him develop overseas.
Measurables:
Position: Shooting guard and small forward
Height: 6’6
Weight: 206
Wingspan: 6’10
Overview:
A good off-ball offensive player who can hit threes and make smart cuts to open up scoring looks for himself and others. Solid defender in both one-and-one and team defense settings.
NBA Outlook:
You can never have too many 3-and-D wings, which is why so many go in the first round each year. Green provides a bit more offensively with his heads-up playmaking and streaky slashing.
Player Comparison:
A young Jae Crowder.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
It’s easy to see Green become a favorite target of Trae Young’s with his ability to score from just about anywhere. His lack of explosive athleticism may hinder the Hawks’ electric pace of play.
Measurables:
Position: Small forward
Height: 6’8
Weight: 216
Wingspan: 6’10
Overview:
3-and-D forward that’s heavy on the ‘3’. Made 45 percent of his 5.6 three-point attempts per game as a sophomore, featuring a silky-smooth jumper.
NBA Outlook:
An ideal catch-and-shoot forward for the modern NBA with just enough defense that you see him becoming a quality starter. Does lack playmaking or even basic dribbling moves that makes him a tough play in transition.
Player Comparison:
Duncan Robinson/ Terrance Ross without the athleticism.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
The Hawks can definitely afford to add more forwards, even if that isn’t their biggest need this off-season. Bey can be a great spot-up shooter off the bench and help the second-unit defensively as well.
Measurables:
Position: Point guard
Height: 6’3
Weight: 165
Wingspan: 6’6
Overview:
A lightning-fast point guard with sky-high offensive potential. Someone who could fly up draft boards if there is a Combine of some sorts.
NBA Outlook:
The defense needs work, but his frame limits any major progress on that end. While he can get to the rim in a flash he’s very erratic as a finisher at this point. Doesn’t have the natural play-making to kick out of a failed drive. Can create shots for himself and others but needs polish on both ends to become anything more than a change-of-pace backup.
Player Comparison:
A young Dennis Schröder is pretty spot on.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Lewis fits the Hawks’ desire to play at a fast pace, but would he play enough behind Trae Young to influence that? Young will be near the league-leaders in minutes played and Lewis is too small to play next to Trae.
Measurables:
Position: Power forward
Height: 6’0
Weight: 220
Wingspan: 6’11
Overview:
A 22-year-old sophomore coming off one of the best collegiate seasons we’ve seen this decade. How many times has “most accomplished NCAA player in the draft” been synonymous with “draft bust”?
NBA Outlook:
Toppin is all offense and truly electric on that end. His lack of even basic defensive tools is incredibly alarming, lowering his NBA ceiling considerably.
Player Comparison:
John Collins with worse defense or a faster Jahlil Okafor.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Toppin will be in the top-ten on most big boards, top-five on some. His fit with the Atlanta Hawks is just simply not there, bringing him down a handful here. A better version of him (John Collins) is already on the team.
Measurables:
Position: Small forward
Height: 6’6
Weight: 213
Wingspan: 6’10
Overview:
A true three-point sniper who shot 52 percent from deep in his injury-shortened sophomore season. Weaknesses are basically everything else, which is easy to say until you watch some tape and notice he has a hard time making simple passes.
NBA Outlook:
Nesmith’s game is too one-dimensional for him to ever be more than a role-player, but he can be a high-end role player hitting 40 percent (or more) of his threes of the bench.
Player Comparison:
Shorter Davis Bertans or Cameron Johnson.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
The Hawks desperately need to surround Trae Young with three-point shooters, and Nesmith might be the best in the draft at that. His lack of defense would hold back the strides they’ve been taking by adding Cam Reddish and De’Andre Hunter.
Measurables:
Position: Point guard
Height: 6’3
Weight: 190
Wingspan: 6’4
Overview:
Heavily hyped out of high school, Cole Anthony struggled through injuries and so-so play for a lackluster UNC team. If he drops enough he could be a great value pick.
NBA Outlook:
Anthony is a scorer and can create his own bucket on all three levels of the court. He’s a talented finisher and has a nice-looking jump shot, even if it didn’t fall in Chapel Hill regularly. His average defense and injury concerns will make him a risky pick, even though he has All-Star potential.
Player Comparison:
Bobcats–era Kemba Walker.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Anthony could theoretically slide over to become a small-ball two guard, which would elevate his potential fit with Trae.
Measurables:
Position: Point guard
Height: 6’5
Weight: 175
Wingspan: 6’8
Overview:
A high-IQ play-maker that is more of a finished product than most players taken in the top-ten. Shot a solid percentage from deep as a sophomore but has an unorthodox jump shot which limits his catch-and-shoot speed.
NBA Outlook:
He has a lower ceiling than the other four point guards that could be selected in the lottery (Lewis, Anthony, Hayes, Ball) but also has a higher floor. Haliburton will likely be a high-end backup or a low-end starter.
Player Comparison:
What people thought Dante Exum was going to be.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
I put Haliburton one spot over Cole Anthony because I think both could move to the two-guard, but Haliburton would do it just a bit better. Too many of his weaknesses overlap with Young’s to put him higher than 11 on this big board.
Measurables:
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6’5
Weight: 188
Wingspan: 6’7
Overview:
Athletic combo-guard with perhaps the best mid-range game in the class. After playing just 15 games overseas, Hampton is far from pro-ready.
NBA Outlook:
Hampton has a lot to prove outside his established shot-creation skills, but can be a throwback guard for a long time in the league. Could be a solid project pick for a team who can afford to play him big minutes as a rookie without worrying about him struggling.
Player Comparison:
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Hampton fits the role of a secondary play-maker which the Hawks need desperately. His shot-creation and raw play-making could make him a great backcourt fit next to Young.
Measurables:
Position: Center
Height: 7’1
Weight: 237
Wingspan: 7’6
Overview:
A talented center whose high-school play was overshadowed by a battle with the NCAA that cut his collegiate career to just three games. Still has sky-high potential as a rim-protector.
NBA Outlook:
Out-dated? Old School? Sure. Wiseman’s lack of spacing and switchability will draw his fair share of critics, but his rim-running and shot-blocking should give him a role in the league. Will that role be big enough to warrant being the first overall pick?
Player Comparison:
Damian Jones with potential to become DeAndre Jordan.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Is it mean to say there’s no fit? While I do like Wiseman’s potential on other teams, but the Hawks have three centers (Dewayne Dedmon, Bruno Fernando, and Clint Capela) who’ll garner solid minutes next season. Where/when Wiseman play?
Measurables:
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6’3
Weight: 198
Wingspan: 6’6
Overview:
Skilled guard with all the offensive tools to become a star, even if his splits at Kentucky doesn’t show that.
NBA Outlook:
Undersized for a two-guard and lacking the skills to be a point guard, the team that drafts Maxey will have to come to terms with playing small-ball. His shot-creation and overall scoring will help offset his lack of defensive burst.
Player Comparison:
Collin Sexton or Terry Rozier with less play-making.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Maxey can be the shooting guard of the future in Atlanta and his inside-out play would be near perfect next to Trae. Obviously the inconsistent defense is a concern, which may keep him as a bench piece if the Hawks draft him.
Measurables:
Position: Power forward/center
Height: 6’9
Weight: 245
Wingspan: 7’1
Overview:
Textbook rim-running forward who has a knack for blocking shots.
NBA Outlook:
Okongwu plays like a center on defense and a small forward on offense, leaving his NBA position a bit up in the air. He may work best as a small-ball five but may be too weak to defend the high-end big men.
Player Comparison:
I’ve tried to avoid the low-hanging fruit on the rest of the comparisons, but Oknogwu’s comparison to Bam Adebayo is pretty spot on – just like everyone else on the internet is saying.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Oknogwu’s versatility on both ends makes him a better frontcourt fit than Obi Toppin or James Wiseman, but the fit still isn’t perfect. As a backup to John Collins, Okongwu can polish his game while fighting for rim-run looks.
Measurables:
Position: Point guard
Height: 6’5
Weight: 215
Wingspan: 6’8
Overview:
A late-riser of big boards who saw dramatic improvements in nearly every aspect of his game at the age of 18.
NBA Outlook:
Potential to be a high-level floor general with passing that’s already elite. He’s an active off-ball defender but needs work in one-on-one situations which will limit his ceiling. May work best with a team that can play him as a starter from day one.
Player Comparison:
The all-left-hand play is very reminiscent of D’Angelo Russell, who could be also seen as a (very) poor man’s James Harden.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Hayes is a quarterback at heart but shows enough off-ball offense to warrant a pick from the Trae Young-led Hawks. If nothing else, he can develop on the Hawks bench and become trade bait in a few seasons.
Measurables:
Position: Small forward
Height: 6’6
Weight: 225
Wingspan: 6’9
Overview:
A heads-up defender with a winning mindset. Motor and decision making cannot be questioned, making Okoro very pro-ready for a 19-year-old.
NBA Outlook:
Teams will never reach their max occupancy of young, defensive-minded wings and Okoro might be the best perimeter defender in the class. Limited play-making and a stiff jumper will keep him from going too higher, however.
Player Comparison:
OG Anunoby before he improved from three-point land.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Can be the best perimeter defender on the team but offers less on the other end than Reddish or Hunter.
Measurables:
Position: Point guard
Height: 6’7
Weight: 190
Wingspan: 6’10
Overview:
Tremendous passing guard with great size and an unorthodox jump shot. Question marks aplenty but could easily the best point guard in the class.
NBA Outlook:
Tall point guards who can rebound and pass are the future, and Ball fits that mold nicely. He needs to find consistency in his jumper (recent workout videos will tell you he has) and perimeter defense. The latter I have less faith in.
Player Comparison:
A tall Ricky Rubio who’s not afraid to shoot from deep.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Can Trae Young and LaMelo Ball co-exist? They could, certainly, but should they? Both project to be among the league’s best playmakers and a two-point guard offense sounds intriguing on paper. It really just boils down to you think the Hawks should spend a top-five pick on an experiment or a proven fit.
Measurables:
Position: Shooting guard
Height: 6’5
Weight: 225
Wingspan: 6’9
Overview:
A wing with all the natural fundamentals just waiting to be unlocked by the right team. If he reaches his ceiling, he’ll be the best player in the draft, but that’s a pretty big if at this point.
NBA Outlook:
Edwards is versatile; can do a bit of everything on the court. He doesn’t have a defined list of strengths and weaknesses but needs to polish just about everything after a lackluster season in Athens. Like Killian Hayes, he’d do best with a team that can give him big minutes without worrying about team success early on.
Player Comparison:
Orlando Magic-era Victor Oladipo.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
I get the Georgia connection but Edwards is far from a finished product. Do the Hawks, who are finally set to compete for the playoffs after a long rebuild, want another project?
Measurables:
Position: Shooting guard/small forward
Height: 6’7
Weight: 194
Wingspan: 6’10
Overview:
Go back a few slides to Issac Okoro. Take his motor, defense, and ideal frame and add a three-point shot that found net 41 percent of the time last season.
NBA Outlook:
I fancy Vassell as the best 3-and-D wing in this class, and it’s easy to see him being a quality starter for a playoff team soon. Teammates and fans alike will love his high-IQ, vocal defense, and underrated playmaking ability.
Player Comparison:
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
Nearly perfect. His two-way play and solid enough handle make him a great guard that can either start or come off the bench for the team next season. Only one player I think fits with the Hawks better:
Measurables:
Position: Small forward
Height: 6’9
Weight: 215
Wingspan: 6’9
Overview:
The best playmaker in this class isn’t a point guard, it’s Deni Advija, a point forward archetype who has been turning heads since his league has resumed play of late.
NBA Outlook:
I love Advija’s floor and simply don’t see a scenario where he flames out and is back overseas in a few seasons. His ceiling depends on how his jumper progresses, which it already has been in workouts and games.
Player Comparison:
Luka Doncic with a touch of Ben Simmons. (At his ceiling).
Fit With Atlanta Hawks:
A team-defender who can run the offense as well as he can cut and catch passes. I love his plug and play potential for the Hawks, and Advija could be the player to push the Hawks from fringe playoff contenders to true Eastern Conference threats.