Atlanta Hawks: 5 potential prospects for choices No. 31 in 2017 NBA Draft

Atlanta Hawks: 5 options for pick No. 31 in the 2017 NBA Draft

Nov 17, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Southern Methodist Mustangs forward Semi Ojeleye (33) puts up a shot during the second half against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Madison Square Garden. Southern Methodist won, 76-67. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 6

Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) during the first half against the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Derrick White, PG/SG, Colorado

2016-17 statistics: 18.3 PPG, 4.3 APG, 4.1 RPG

The Atlanta Hawks are hoping to cast a wide net to find talent early in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft. Few players were able to impact the NCAA in the array of ways Derrick White did in Colorado.

He was one of just 14 players, and only four in the power conferences, to average at least 18 points, 4.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game.

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of his game is his patience, as he routinely wore opponents down before creating scoring opportunities for himself or a teammate.

Taking care of the ball was problematic for Atlanta last season, as the team ranked 28th in turnovers, giving it away 15.8 times per game. Only Brooklyn and Philadelphia had more turnovers per game than the Hawks, while the 16 turnovers per game they averaged were the most of any team in the postseason.

The fifth year senior added another dimension rarely displayed among guards, as he was a potent shot-blocker, as he used his 6’7″ wingspan to reject 1.4 shots per game.

Atlanta will have trouble finding a player more NBA-ready than White.

Home/Atlanta Hawks