Atlanta Hawks projected to rebuild frontcourt in latest mock drafts
Apr 22, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; Washington Wizards guard John Wall (2) drives against Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) in the first quarter of game three of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
The Atlanta Hawks have two front office vacancies to fill, but with the 2017 NBA Draft rapidly approaching, the need for help in the front court has become abundantly clear.
The person making the actual selection for the Atlanta Hawks has yet to be appointed as the general manager of the franchise, but a clear consensus has emerged as to what type of player it should add with the 19th overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft next month.
At least on the internet.
The latest mock draft projections all have the Hawks adding either a power forward or a center to the lineup.
The front office in Atlanta began a drastic overhaul last week, with Wes Wilcox stepping down as general manager to accept a reassigned role within the organization and Mike Budenholzer vacating his position as the president of basketball operations.
Principal team owner Tony Ressler stated he intends to fill both roles prior to June 22, the night of the 2017 NBA Draft. Several prospects for both positions have emerged, with Oklahoma City assistant general manager Tony Weaver emerging as the latest candidate for general manager.
Atlanta has previously been able to land an impact player with the 19th overall pick, when the team selected Jeff Teague in 2009.
During his seven seasons with the Hawks, Teague averaged 12.1 points, 5.2 assists and 1.2 steals per game, and was selected as an All-Star in 2015.
Other notable players selected with the 19th overall pick include Tobias Harris, Avery Bradley, Zach Randolph and Rod Strickland.
Atlanta has a promising young point guard in Dennis Schrode and added two wing prospects to the team last summer in Taurean Prince and DeAndre' Bembry, giving the mock drafts further credibility.
When the Hawks are on the clock next month, the latest rounds of mock drafts have the team adding depth, or possible replacement starters in the frontcourt:
The need for frontcourt depth became apparent during Atlanta's playoff run, after serving as a strength during the regular season. Atlanta ranked third in differential efficiency in the paint during the regular season, but struggled to take control of the post in the playoffs.
Uneven play from Dwight Howard forced Budenhozler to keep the eight-time All-Star center on the bench for extended periods of time in the opening round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs. Howard was even benched for the entire fourth quarter twice during the series.
The Hawks tried to counter Washington's high powered offense by playing small, shifting Paul Millsap to the center position. Millsap responded by posting averages of 24.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game on 50.5 percent shooting.
He also spent over 36 minutes per game on the floor in the series and sat less than two minutes in the series finale.
The power forward position could become a glaring need for Atlanta this summer, with Millsap expected to opt out of his contract and become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
The Atlanta Hawks have three selections in the 2017 NBA Draft, with the 19th pick in the first round, then will select 31st and 60th overall in the second round. The most glaring need the team needs to address is adding a talented frontcourt player.
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