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 26, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels head coach Roy Williams talks with forward Justin Jackson (44) in the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats during the finals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Justin Jackson, SF, North Carolina

2017 statistics: 18.6 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 2.8 APG

Most mock drafts have the Atlanta Hawks adding a frontcourt player, and if Justin Jackson is still on the board at No. 19, he may be too talented for the team to pass.

During his junior season in North Carolina, the ACC Player of the Year showcased a much-improved shot from beyond the arc, as he connected 2.6 times from three-point range at a 36.8 percent clip.

The dramatic improvement from three-point territory, along with his defensive prowess, has drawn comparisons to another former Tar Heel, Spurs forward Danny Green.

Jackson was even more impressive during North Carolina’s championship run in the NCAA Tournament, as he averaged 19.5 points per game while taking on the toughest defensive assignment in each contest.

The startling increase in proficiency from three-point range dramatically increased his draft stock, as Jackson converted at an eight percent increase from his junior year while taking nearly twice as many shots from beyond the arc.

With teams placing an emphasis on players being able to defend multiple positions while remaining as a viable threat from three-point range, Jackson could be a solid addition to any team in selecting in the middle of the first round.

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