Atlanta Hawks: John Jenkins 2013-14 Season Review
By Adam McGee
When the Atlanta Hawks drafted John Jenkins with the 23rd pick of the 2012 draft, the buzz at the time was suggesting they had gotten a steal. In his three years at Vanderbilt, Jenkins had developed a reputation as an outstanding shooter from all areas of the floor.
Despite taking more than seven 3-point attempts per game during his time in college, Jenkins had an impressive average of 43.8 percent from deep. With good quickness and an athletic frame, a number of draft experts felt that Jenkins had been underrated as a player by the NBA, and in regards to his shooting, Jenkins seemed like a lock to be the best shooter of his class.
Fast forward the clock two years to the present, and Jenkins’ professional career has been dominated by frustration so far. Jenkins shooting hasn’t yet translated as expected to the NBA, and more often than not Jenkins has found himself on the bench.
As Mike Scott, the man the Hawks drafted a round later than Jenkins, thrived this year, injuries held Jenkins back. After a solid but unspectacular rookie campaign, both Jenkins and the Hawks saw this as a year of big improvement for the 23-year-old, but unfortunately that plan had to be put on hold.
Let’s take a look at how Jenkins fared in his limited minutes this season, and where it leaves his future with the Hawks.