Soaring Down South
Fansided

The Atlanta Hawks’ dream team if they nailed every draft pick

By Michael Shearer

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 02: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks defends against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half at State Farm Arena on December 02, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 02: Clint Capela #15 of the Atlanta Hawks defends against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half at State Farm Arena on December 02, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Atlanta Hawks. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

2021: Pick #20. Actual: Jalen Johnson. Should’ve Been: Herb Jones

The Hawks did well at 20. The recent trade of John Collins has opened up some room for Johnson to show what he can do. The big man has a voracious rebounding appetite and a nice handle for his size, and if the defensive and shooting continue to improve, he may replace Collins’ production at a fraction of the cost.

I still would’ve taken a bet on Herb Jones, though. Jones has quickly become one of the league’s peskiest defenders, a condor on the court whose arms both stretch forever and appear out of nowhere. Jones would’ve been a better fit on the Hawks than the Pelicans; his canny cutting would’ve made him a Young favorite despite his shaky three-pointer.

At this point, Johnson is still figuring out his NBA niche. Jones already has one that should keep him in the league in some fashion for a long time.

Frankly, the other options at #20 weren’t particularly appealing. Ayo Dosunmo has shown flashes as a defensive-minded combo guard for Chicago. Quentin Grimes would’ve been a nice pick as a wing 3-and-D. Santi Aldama earned some starts on the West’s two-seed last year. Cam Thomas will shoot the ball (whether it goes in or not is irrelevant).

But few of those guys project to move the needle, and none have the ceiling that Johnson’s tantalizing physical tools support. Johnson was a risky pick after an unusual, up-and-down college year at Duke, but I support the gamble.

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