Atlanta Hawks: 5 options for pick No. 30 in 2018 NBA Draft

COLLEGE PARK, MD - FEBRUARY 17: Maryland Terrapins guard Kevin Huerter (4) scores in the second half against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on February 17, 2018, at Xfinity Center in College Park, MD. The Maryland Terrapins defeated the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, 61-51. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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5. Jalen Brunson

Height: 6’2″
Weight: 199 lbs
Age: 21
Position: PG

Jalen Brunson played three seasons at Villanova University. He won two NCAA championships and a national Player of the Year award. He is a talented player and a natural leader, and that is precisely what a young, rebuilding team like the Hawks will need. The Ringer labeled him as a “classic point guard prospect that’ll fall in the draft because of his age, then play 10-plus years in the NBA.”

In his last season at Villanova, Brunson averaged 18.9 points, 4.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 0.9 steals in 31.8 minutes per game while shooting 52.1 percent from the field and 40.8 percent from the 3-point line.

The Hawks could be without their starting point guard from last season pretty soon. If that’s the case, they should draft Brunson as some insurance. He is not the most athletic guy, but he is mature, talented and has a high basketball IQ. He can come in and be a day one starter for the Hawks if they need him to be. They could use him as a valuable guard for many seasons.

The Ringer compared him to Derek Fisher, Mark Jackson and Luke Ridnour. All three guys were solid players and were some of the best veteran players this league has ever seen. Brunson seems to be on that path, and it isn’t a bad one to be on.

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