Atlanta Hawks: 5 options for the 19th pick at the 2017 NBA Draft

Atlanta Hawks: 5 options for pick No. 19 in 2017 NBA Draft

Mar 1, 2017; Lubbock, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders forward Aaron Ross (15) and forward Anthony Livingston (21) watch as Texas Longhorns forward Jarrett Allen (31) slam dunks the ball in the first half at United Supermarkets Arena. Mandatory Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mar 10, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) reacts after scoring against Xavier Musketeers during the Big East Conference Tournament Semifinals at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Justin Patton, C, Creighton

2017 statistics: 12.9 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 1.4 BPG

Typically seven-footers don’t go unnoticed while transitioning from high school to college.

Luckily for the Atlanta Hawks, the late development of Justin Patton places him as a mid-first round selection.

Patton signed with Creighton as the 87th ranked prospect in the class of 2015, but after posting stellar numbers in limited time on the court, he enters the NBA Draft as an intriguing option.

After posting 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds in less than 26 minutes per game for the Blue Jays, Patton is a rarity in the one-and-done era, as he is bypassing the rest of his college career after sitting out his freshman season.

Few NCAA players managed to score with as much ease as Patton did last season, with his true shooting percentage of 68 percent ranking as the third-best among all draft prospects.

The primary concern with selecting Patton is just how much time he will be provided to develop.

If he is joining a team featuring a four-time All-Star power forward and a three-time Defensive Player of the Year center, then he will have a season or two to hone his skills off the bench.

If the Hawks suddenly enter rebuilding mode, the excess pressure placed on the 19th pick in the draft could lead Atlanta to search elsewhere for immediate production.

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