Atlanta Hawks: Is Mike Scott A Sixth Man Contender?

By Adam McGee | Oct 19, 2014

Sep 29, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Scott (32) talks to members of the media during the Atlanta Hawks media day at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

Entering last season with a much changed roster, and a new head coach, there were a lot of unknowns about exactly what the Atlanta Hawks would be last season. The outcome proved to be a pleasant surprise, as with an exciting new strategy in place, and a talented group of players, they have a bright future.

In all that optimism, it sometimes feels like the massive progression of Mike Scott gets forgotten from last season though.

After finishing his time as a Virginia Cavalier, Scott was taken in the second round by Atlanta, with the 43rd pick of the 2012 draft. Despite being older than many others in his draft class due to extended medical redshirt eligibility during his time in college, Scott was very much a raw prospect.

He showed talent and energy, but the reality was that, at the time, the Hawks had drafted a “stretch 4” who couldn’t stretch the floor.

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As a result, Scott spent the majority of his first season between the inactive list, and the D-League, with the Hawks’ affiliate at the time, the Bakersfield Jam. Scott had two short spells with the Jam, and had no hesitation in showing everyone exactly what he was capable of.

For Scott’s D-League career, he averaged 18.1 points, 8.8 rebounds and a field goal mark of 50.5 percent. That was enough to convince the Hawks that he belonged in Atlanta, and from that point on the franchise kept a closer eye on his development.

As the 2012-13 season closed out, coach Larry Drew gave Scott his chance. The Virginia native played significant minutes in the last four games of the season against the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors and New York Knicks, and he seized his opportunity with both hands.

Scott averaged 18.5 points and 10.0 rebounds in that short spell, enough to put Hawks fans on notice for his second season.

Scott had shown more than enough promise to warrant minutes as a sophomore, but with the arrival of new head coach Mike Budenholzer, and his staff headed by Quin Snyder, a completely different side to the 26-year-old’s game came to light.

Between his time in the D-League, and his play in the NBA, Scott went 0/3 from three-point range as a rookie. One year later, between regular season and Playoffs combined, Scott had 72 made three-pointers, instantly transforming the threat he posed as a player.

From October through to the end of February, Scott averaged 36.7 percent from deep, including shooting a whopping 47.6 percent on long balls in the month of February.

In the final two months of the season, the former Virginia Cavalier’s shooting fell off dramatically to only 18.8 percent, but that didn’t stop Scott from putting on a show one more time. In game five of the Hawks’ Eastern Conference first round matchup with the Indiana Pacers, Mike Scott announced himself to the wider NBA public.

Scott made four straight 3-pointers in a 1:46 spell in the second quarter, on his way to 17 points and a massive Hawks win.

With another summer of development under his belt, there’s no knowing what Scott could do in his third year as a pro. Also, with the security of a three-year, $10 million contract now under his belt, he should have the freedom to kick on.

The 26-year-old is a confidence player, and in many ways they can be the most dangerous in the NBA. If Scott comes off the bench and makes a couple of shots in quick succession, he’s immediately in rhythm, and ready to gun. The first spot off the bench is ideal for guys who are streaky scorers, and the Hawks will look for Scott to provide instant offense in that role.

Just how good Scott can be this season, is still a little bit of an unknown, but going by what Scott has shown us in his previous two seasons, it’s not unfeasible that he could grow into a guy who averages 16 points and 6.5 rebounds, coming off the pine.

If he could do that with a good shooting percentage, there’s no reason why Scott wouldn’t be instantly propelled into consideration for the Sixth Man of the Year award. It only takes a quick look at the three most recent winners, Jamal Crawford, J.R. Smith and James Harden, to realize that Scott fits the bill.

To win that award, a player needs to be filled with confidence, and unafraid to shoot in volume, as well as when the game is on the line.

Scott definitely meets those credentials, it’s now just up to him to deliver.

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