Atlanta Hawks: Atl All Day Mock Draft 3.0, Best Case Scenario
29. <h5>6’6 215 • Kentucky</h5> <h6>2018: Pts:13.5 REB:5.9 APG:1.6 STL:0.8 BLK:0.2 FG%:46.1 2P%:49.8 3P%:38.1 FT%:70.3</h6> <p>After the anguish of seeing Kawhi Leonard, the star that they traded win a championship in Toronto, the San Antonio Spurs certainly would like to find the next young star in this year’s draft. At this point Keldon Johnson of Kentucky offers the best upside, and the Spurs need a small forward to pair with All Star wing DeMar DeRozan. A lot like Leonard Johnson is athletic, but not much of a creator off the dribble coming out of college. He does shoot the ball well from outside when spotting up. He has solid defensive potential and is a tough, physical player. Keldon is more of a power player when attacking the basket, but he also can finish with fitness at times. Kentucky players are difficult to scout, because they often have to sacrifice their individual games to blend in with other highly recruited players. The Spurs hope to find a hidden gem in Johnson, like the Suns did with Devin Booker a few years ago.</p>. Forward. San Antonio Spurs. Keldon Johnson. 19. player
ESPN has Keldon Johnson rated 19 on their draft board, so this is right along with where he is projected. Motor City Sports Talk put their draft spotlight on Johnson in this YouTube piece:
20. player. 18. <h5>6’8 207 • Gonzaga</h5> <h6>2018: PTS:16.9 ORB:3.1 REB:8.6 APG:1.9 STL:1.2 BLK:3.2 FG%:68.7 2P%:70.5 3P%:26.7 FT%:69.4</h6> <p>When the Boston Celtics selected at number 14 in our mock draftI mentioned that rim protector was among their chief needs. They finally address that need here, with pick 20 of the mock draft, by taking forward Brandon Clarke. Clarke is the best shot blocker in this year’s class. He has the quickness of a guard and jumps out of the gym. He is well suited for the fast pace of today’s NBA game and should thrive in transition. Clarke is also a good cutter and lob catcher. Though Clarke plays mostly like a big man, he is unfortunately built like a guard. His 6’8 height and wingspan could prove problematic for him against taller NBA players, who are just as physically gifted as he is. He also must learn to shoot the basketball much better from long-range, if he wants to be able to play some small forward at the next level.</p>. Power Forward. Boston Celtics. Brandon Clarke
Many Atlanta Hawks fans are very fond of Brandon Clarke. I personally don’t feel he is the best fit, even though he would provide needed rim protection. Clark isn’t not a threat to space the floor at this time and that seems to be a quality that Atlanta values. However he was recently here for a workout and a private dinner with Lloyd Pierce and Travis Schlenk, according to Chris Kirchner of the Athletic on Twitter.
The Basketball Writers break down the strengths possessed by Brandon Clarke in this video:
The Basketball Writers also show us the areas in which Brandon Clarke needs to improve upon in this video:
player. 149. <h5>6’8 230 • Kentucky</h5> <h6>2018: Pts:15.2 ORB:2.3 REB:7.5 APG:1.8 STL:0.8 BLK:1.2 FG%:52.2 2P%:54.9 3P%42.3 FT%:66.3</h6> <p>Oklahoma City needs shooters and a power forward, P.J. Washington can provide both. P.J. is the third of the talented Kentucky trio to be selected in our mock draft. He’s a combo forward with an NBA body and strength to make up for what he lacks in height. He’s a fairly explosive athlete with a good wingspan. He his ability to function well as a post player, cutter, roll man or spot up shooter. He is a good finisher at the rim, but also improved his three-point shooting tremendously from his freshman to sophomore year. Washington does not offer much in terms of ball handling or passing though. His 63 percent free throw percentage is also a concern. At this point in the draft, Washington provides very good value for the Thunder. Most draft experts have him slotted in the 12 to 18 range.</p>. Power Forward. Oklahoma City Thunder. P.J. Washington. 21
P. J. Washington is recovering from a foot injury but did travel to Atlanta to meet with the Hawks. Chris Vivlamore of the AJC wrote about the scheduled visit, while also highlighting the fact that Washington and Trae Young played AAU basketball together as kids.
Pacific Hoops takes a deep dive into the game of P.J. Washington in the following video: