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

By Brendan Galella

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
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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Feb 13, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) is called for a foul against Oregon State Beavers forward Tres Tinkle (3) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. The California Golden Bears defeated the Oregon State Beavers 83-71. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) is called for a foul against Oregon State Beavers forward Tres Tinkle (3) during the second half at Haas Pavilion. The California Golden Bears defeated the Oregon State Beavers 83-71. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Ivan Rabb, PF, California

2017 statistics:  14.0 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 1.0 BPG

A year ago, the thoughts of Ivan Rabb landing with the Atlanta Hawks would have been well beyond wishful thinking.

The 6’11” forward was projected as a lottery selection had he entered the 2016 NBA Draft, but he instead returned to college for his sophomore season.

The thought was Rabb would take over for the Golden Bears following the departure of Jaylen Brown, as Boston chose him third overall in last year’s draft, but his contributions were nearly identical to his freshman season.

The scoring and rebounding numbers from Rabb experienced a slight uptick, but his shooting figures all dropped.

While Rabb may have fallen out of lottery consideration for the draft, his primary strength, rebounding, is the skill that best translates from college to the NBA.

Only 17 players in NCAA Division I averaged over 10 rebounds per game last season, with Rabb posting prolific figures on both ends of the floor.

Rabb posted 3.3 offensive rebounds per game, while his 7.2 defensive rebounds a night ranked as the 15th-best among all Division I players.

If Atlanta declines to offer a max contract to Paul Millsap, or if the team tries to find a trade parter for Dwight Howard, both of which are in play this summer, Rabb could be an important addition to help the team remain as one of the best rebounding squads in the league.

The Hawks ranked ninth in rebounding, a figure that could improve if Rabb is added to the roster with the 19th pick.

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