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Atlanta Hawks: Who Should They Target In The First Round?

By Nathan Grubel

May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) shoots the ball against the Washington Wizards in the third quarter in game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (Editor’s Note: Caption Correction) Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) looks to pass as Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski watches during the first half in the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; (Editor’s Note: Caption Correction) Wisconsin Badgers forward Sam Dekker (15) looks to pass as Duke Blue Devils head coach Mike Krzyzewski watches during the first half in the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Sam Dekker

Dekker has had a mixed projection over the years, but seemed to really improve his stock after putting up some big numbers for Wisconsin during this past NCAA Tournament.

His 19.1 points per game scoring average throughout the tournament put a lot of scouts on notice, especially considering the opponents he was doing it against. If he was putting up huge totals against teams that wouldn’t have an impact in one of the major conferences, that’s one thing, but he didn’t back down against Kentucky and Duke, and had his best games against North Carolina and Arizona, two teams that can play quality defense in bunches because of their versatile size.

Those are all major programs that Dekker dropped buckets on, so it’s no wonder why he could be a pick in the middle of the first round.

Dekker’s 6-foot-9 size is more than adequate at the small forward position, and he could even be an option if Atlanta wanted to run a smaller lineup and play him at power forward.

The main appeal of Dekker’s game has always been the range on his three-point shot, but he really improved his dribble-drive game this past season, which opens up his offense in ways that some may not have seen coming from him, at least before he got into the NBA.

Him being able to take his man off the dribble means that defenses have to respect that part of his game, which allows Dekker to take advantage and fake the defense into backing off to protect the lane, ultimately creating space for a three-point shot or a look in the midrange.

When Dekker does decide to drive at the basket, he has the power and touch to finish around the rim, as he finished some difficult looks throughout the tournament time and time again, really impressing anyone in attendance because it was a part of his game that he wasn’t really touted for in terms of his play on the next level.

If the Hawks are looking for versatility at the wing similar to what Carroll provided the team this season, then they should take a long look at Dekker, as he has the upside and skill to play right away and grow with the team as he continues to hone his ball-handling and defensive skills.

Next: R.J. Hunter

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