This year's draft really is the first time in a couple of years that the Hawks have a pick that they actually might get something good with. Of course, that doesn't exactly mean that they will get something good with it...
However, in this deep of a draft, and with a GM that has the assurance that this pick won't make or break his tenure (he just signed a 6-year deal), I think Atlanta might actually have a shot at something here if they hold on to the 23rd pick.
The good thing about this pick is that we essentially have extreme flexibility; we can take a player at any position and give that him some quality backup minutes immediately if we want to. We can also afford to send that player to the D-League for a month or two to help their development, and then bring them up at a time where they can possibly make an impact off the bench. With that in mind, here's who I think the Hawks should look at:
Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State
A lot of people don't really agree with me on this pick, but I like the idea of drafting a guy that could probably replace Marvin Williams. Even if he can't, maybe it will light a fire under Marvin if he comes to the realization that the team really wants to be rid of him. Of course, this could easily backfire and cause the 8th year forward out of UNC to just mope around the court the whole time.
Royce White, PF, Iowa State
Another midwest player. With the possibility that Smoove may traded or walk at the end of the season, the team needs to start looking at possible replacements in the draft. While there is no doubting White's skills, he does have some disciplinary issues that may cause the Hawks to balk on another needy player. All of that aside, he was the other D-I player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks last season. That alone should pique GM Danny Ferry's interest in the guy.
Quincy Miller, SF-PF, Baylor
As a Hawks fan and NBA observer, I'm obviously have concerns about drafting a tweener forward. (see: Williams, Marvin, and Beasley, Michael) While those two positions are something we could need depth at, depending on how future transactions play out, we would obviously need Miller to make a hard commitment to one position during his rookie year. As with Green, he would be best suited to be a potential Marvin replacement.
Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington
If this guy is available, I want him. While I think Teague has the ability to be a very reliable starting PG in the NBA, Wroten would bring a size element that would make a very formidable backcourt with Joe Johnson. Either way, with Hinrich gone, the Hawks need a backup point guard, and I think Wroten would be a guy that could make an immediate impact. I would even go so far to say that the Hawks should trade up a couple of spots if they have to. Make it happen, Ferry!
Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
If the Hawks are going to trade Smoove, I wouldn't mind picking Melo up a couple of spots before he likely would go. He may need some time in the D-League to season, but I think he would make a great 4th guy if the Hawks go to a Horford/Zaza/Ivan frontline. If we do keep Smoove, then I wouldn't really want him, because he'll either get glued to the bench behind Zaza and Horford, or will force Josh to move to the three where he is less effective as a player on both ends of the court. The last thing the Hawks need is for another draftee to be wasted on the bench.
The good thing about this pick is that we essentially have extreme flexibility; we can take a player at any position and give that him some quality backup minutes immediately if we want to. We can also afford to send that player to the D-League for a month or two to help their development, and then bring them up at a time where they can possibly make an impact off the bench. With that in mind, here's who I think the Hawks should look at:
Draymond Green, SF, Michigan State
A lot of people don't really agree with me on this pick, but I like the idea of drafting a guy that could probably replace Marvin Williams. Even if he can't, maybe it will light a fire under Marvin if he comes to the realization that the team really wants to be rid of him. Of course, this could easily backfire and cause the 8th year forward out of UNC to just mope around the court the whole time.
Royce White, PF, Iowa State
Another midwest player. With the possibility that Smoove may traded or walk at the end of the season, the team needs to start looking at possible replacements in the draft. While there is no doubting White's skills, he does have some disciplinary issues that may cause the Hawks to balk on another needy player. All of that aside, he was the other D-I player to lead his team in points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks last season. That alone should pique GM Danny Ferry's interest in the guy.
Quincy Miller, SF-PF, Baylor
As a Hawks fan and NBA observer, I'm obviously have concerns about drafting a tweener forward. (see: Williams, Marvin, and Beasley, Michael) While those two positions are something we could need depth at, depending on how future transactions play out, we would obviously need Miller to make a hard commitment to one position during his rookie year. As with Green, he would be best suited to be a potential Marvin replacement.
Tony Wroten Jr., PG, Washington
If this guy is available, I want him. While I think Teague has the ability to be a very reliable starting PG in the NBA, Wroten would bring a size element that would make a very formidable backcourt with Joe Johnson. Either way, with Hinrich gone, the Hawks need a backup point guard, and I think Wroten would be a guy that could make an immediate impact. I would even go so far to say that the Hawks should trade up a couple of spots if they have to. Make it happen, Ferry!
Fab Melo, C, Syracuse
If the Hawks are going to trade Smoove, I wouldn't mind picking Melo up a couple of spots before he likely would go. He may need some time in the D-League to season, but I think he would make a great 4th guy if the Hawks go to a Horford/Zaza/Ivan frontline. If we do keep Smoove, then I wouldn't really want him, because he'll either get glued to the bench behind Zaza and Horford, or will force Josh to move to the three where he is less effective as a player on both ends of the court. The last thing the Hawks need is for another draftee to be wasted on the bench.
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