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 /

4 of 6

Jan 24, 2017; Syracuse, NY, USA; Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward John Collins (20) shoots the ball as Syracuse Orange forward Taurean Thompson (12) defends during the first half at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

3. John Collins, PF, Wake Forest

2017 statistics: 19.2 PPG, 9.8 RPG, 1.6 BPG

The key player in helping the Atlanta Hawks continue their postseason appearances may be the one who helped Wake Forest end its NCAA Tournament drought.

John Collins carried the Demon Deacons to the tournament for the first time since 2010 by logging 19.2 points, 9.8 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game. Much of his success stemmed from his ability to operate out of the post. According to DraftExpress, 48.4 percent of the offensive touches from Collins came in the post.

As the second-youngest sophomore in the draft — as he won’t turn 20 until a week before the start of training camp — his exponential growth from his first year in college to now is part of the reason his draft stock has skyrocketed.

With even more room for improvement, such as working on his passing ability and penchant for committing fouls, Collins remains one of the biggest mysteries in the 2017 NBA Draft class.

If he is able to extend his shooting range, Collins could develop into a starting power forward on any NBA roster.

Collins already excels at rolling to the basket off the pick-and-roll, if he can add a viable long range shot to his game, he could be one of the most difficult matchups for opponents in the class of 2017.

Home/Atlanta Hawks