The NBA Draft is on June 22 and the Atlanta Hawks have an opportunity to bring in a player that can help them immediately with the 15th pick in the first round. One can debate on if the Hawks should try to trade a pick for a veteran player or even move around in the draft but we will do that as we get closer to draft day. For now, let’s take a look at a few of the prospects that may or may not be around.
You can debate on if you believe Atlanta needs a player on the wing, a big man, or another guard, and here we will take a glance at a little of each.
Gradey Dick 6’8” | 205lb – Freshman Kansas Forward
Kansas wing Gradey Dick should be at the top of the Hawks’ wish list. It’s doubtful that he will be there when they pick, but if he happens to slide for some reason look for the Hawks to immediately make the selection. Gradey Dick is an elite-level shooter who can hit shots from anywhere on the court. He could remind some Hawks fans of Kevin Huerter or a slightly more athletic Bogdan Bogdanovic.
Jalen Hood-Schifino 6’6” | 215lb – Freshman Indiana Guard
Indiana freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino is a top-level guard, who at 6’6” is tough on both ends of the floor. He can play the pick and roll, shoot well in the midrange and facilitate the basketball. He has a great handle on the ball and can get hot from behind the arc. Jalen Hood Schifino’s game reminds me a little of Jordan Clarkson.
Derrick Lively 7’1” | 230lb – Freshman Duke Center
Big man Derrick Lively is a game-changing rim protector and rebounder on the defensive end. He is working on getting better at scoring the basketball. He’s an athletic big man that can hop and even though he is only 230, his frame will allow him to add weight. Derrick Lively’s game and frame have drawn comparisons to Tyson Chandler and Willie Cauley-Stein.
Leonard Miller 6’10” | 215lb – G League Ignite Forward
G League Ignite forward Leonard Miller had a good showing with the G League Ignite. He has shown that he can be a tough player in the paint while being a man on the boards and he can also get out on the wing, defend and shoot the three. He can handle the ball, get to the basket and finish with either hand. One comparison Miller has drawn with his game is Al Harrington.
Jett Howard 6’7” | 220lb – Freshman Michigan Forward
Freshman guard Jett Howard is the son of former NBA player and Michigan head coach Juwan Howard. Jett Howard is probably one of the best shooters in this year’s draft and will be looked at by the Hawks to space the floor. He is very athletic and can play the big guard spot as well as forward. Howard has drawn comparisons to Mike Miller.
Dariq Whitehead 6’5” | 190lb – Freshman Duke Guard
Duke guard Dariq Whitehead is a questionable talent coming off of two foot surgeries. Before the injuries, he was projected to be a lottery selection. He is super athletic and can score the basketball going to the basket or out on the arc shooting the three. His long arms and quick feet should allow for him to be a force on the defensive side of the ball. When looking at Dariq Whitehead it’s easy to think of Bradley Beal’s game.
Gregory “G.G.” Jackson 6’9” | 215lb – Freshman South Carolina Forward
Forward G.G. Jackson is the youngest prospect in this draft and still has a lot to learn about the game. He is a skilled scorer with nice handles. The combination of explosive leaping ability with his questionable shot selection will remind many Hawks fans of Josh Smith.
Rayan Rupert 6’6” | 200lb – NZ Breakers (France) Guard
Swingman Rayan Rupert is what you think of when you think of “three and D” wing players. He’s long and has the versatility to go with quick hands and feet on defense. Scouts have been excited about his upside and have made comparisons to Nic Batum.
Bilal Coulibaly 6’8” | 195lb – Metropolitans 92 (France) Forward
Forward Bilal Coulibaly has been described as one of the most talented guys that are being slept on because he plays with Victor Wembanyama in France. Long, springy, bouncy, raw, and athletic are all words used to describe his potential. On offense, he slashes to the rim and he needs to work on his handles and three-point shot. With all of his developing talents, length, and raw ability Bilal Coulibaly’s natural comparable would be Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jordan Hawkins 6’5” | 190lb – Sophomore UConn Guard
UConn guard Jordan Hawkins is a shooter. Catch and shoot, coming off of screens and shooting it off the dribble, shooting! He plays both ends of the floor and can probably come in and contribute to any team immediately. Jordan Hawkins’ shootings were on display in UConn’s NCAA championship run and that is where he drew a lot of attention. Hawkins has drawn comparisons to Anfernee Simons.