Atlanta Hawks: First-Round NBA Draft Options

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

This seems to be the safest pick, given that many of the Atlanta Hawk’s other interests are projected going ahead of the 15^th selection. Portis was the SEC Player of the Year, and although the he dominated a conference that lacks deep talent outside one powerhouse, he nonetheless had an incredible sophomore season and is the most NBA-ready of the players listed.

Portis led a top-25 Arkansas team in scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Despite his high usage, he still managed to shoot 54.1% from the field and 46.7% from three (although he did not have a high volume of three attempts). He may not have the huge “up-side” of some younger players, but he also is a more proven scorer and defender.

Portis does not have the same speed and athleticism as some of the Hawks other options, but he fits the needs of a Hawks team desperately looking for immediate help with defensive rebounding. What he lacks in speed he makes up for toughness, and after seeing him singlehandedly beat the Bulldawgs in Athens, I would be on board with this selection.

Mock Drafts Selections:

• Chad Ford, ESPN
• Derek Bodner, USA Today
• Alex Kennedy, Basketball Insiders
• Mike Kamilton, Basketball Insiders
• Steve Kyler, Basketball Insiders
• Chris Vivlamore, AJC

Next: Another Power Forward From Kentucky!