Atlanta Hawks: First-Round NBA Draft Options
Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Arkansas. Bobby Portis. 1. player. 125. Height: 6′ 11”, Weight: 246 lbs, Wingspan: 7′ 2”, Position: PF, Age: 20, College: Arkansas . PF
This seems to be the safest pick, given that many of the Atlanta Hawk’s other interests are projected going ahead of the 15th 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!