Draft’s Almost Here

The Atlanta Hawks have the nineteenth (19) overall pick in the NBA draft. This is a step up from last season when we didn’t have a first round pick. The Hawks have immediate needs for a point guard and center. Unfortunately, whomever the Hawks pick at nineteen (19) probably will not be an immediate impact player just based on the fact that eighteen (18) other teams passed on him. I hope I’m wrong. Based on the Hawks need, the Birds should consider drafting anyone of the following:

Jeff Teague: 6’2, 180 pounds, 18.8 PPG, 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds. Scouts say that Teague is not your “classic” point guard that distributes the ball; he’s a scorer that can create his own shot.

Ty Lawson: 5’11, 195 pounds, 16.6 PPG, 6.6 assists, 3.0 rebounds. Scouts say that Lawson is “classic” point guard who is fast with good ball-handling skills and he’s a proven winner (see 2008-09 national championship).

B.J. Mullens: 7’0, 260 pounds, 8.8 PPG, 4.7 rebounds, 1.1 blocks. Scouts say that Mullens is a “true” center with a good combination of size, athleticism, hands and natural instincts.

Jeff Teague: 6’2, 180 pounds, 18.8 PPG, 3.5 assists, 3.3 rebounds. Scouts say that Teague is not your “classic” point guard that distributes the ball; he’s a scorer that can create his own shot.

Atlanta’s ultimate choice will depend on what they do in free agency. As the Birds disparately need a point guard with good vision and the ability to distribute the ball, I’d select Ty Lawson.