Soaring Down South
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Atlanta Hawks NBA Draft: 3 prospects worth trading up for

By Joshua Buckhalter

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans handles the ball against Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the Elite Eight round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 30: Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans handles the ball against Corey Kispert #24 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs during the second half in the Elite Eight round game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Hawks prospect worth trading up for No. 2: Scottie Barnes could be the next FSU product to impress as a rookie

Leonard Hamilton’s Seminoles keep producing pro-ready prospects. Most recently, Patrick Williams and Devin Vassell have impressed with their readiness to contribute at the pro level. Williams in particular has received praise from LeBron James for his defensive acumen at such a young age and his potential.

Scottie Barnes has a similar build and toolbox but hasn’t had the same buzz that saw Williams rise to be a surprise fourth-overall pick by the Chicago Bulls.

Both have a defensive reputation that will be their calling card early on in their careers.

The 6-foot-8, 225-pound Barnes averaged 10.3 points, 4.0 boards, and 4.1 assists while operating as a point guard, much like Williams did. Williams was a better free throw shooter, Barnes got seven starts (to his zero) while in college.

If there is a worry, outside of his not being explosive which is often overblown, it’s that his jumper isn’t a weapon right now and he isn’t a great free-throw shooter. But, again like Williams, Barnes has been known to be passive on offense. Perhaps he can turn loose in a much more open setting.

Many of the rumors around the Hawks have mentioned Cam Reddish as a name to watch who could be on the move.

We don’t necessarily agree, but remember, we’re assuming there is fire behind all this smoke.

If the Hawks were going to move Reddish, it would make sense to try replacing the skill set you are giving away. It’s been a rough go to start but Reddish flashed his potential in the playoffs this past season. He showed timely shot-making and impactful defense on the biggest stage.

That’s why it’s hard to buy the rumors, but they are out there. Barnes may be the best chance to snag someone who may fall because there are questions about his fit.