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

By Ty Delbridge

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)
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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(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

4. Jarred Vanderbilt

  • Height: 6’8”
  • Weight: 214 lbs
  • Age: 19
  • Position: SF/PF

Jarred Vanderbilt played one season at Kentucky before declaring for the draft. Vanderbilt is an excellent athlete, has a 7’1” wingspan and may be one of the best rebounders in this entire draft class. He is extremely raw on offense, but his physical tools and aggression give him the potential to be an elite defender in this league.

The Ringer labeled him as an “aggressive, versatile defender and rebounder; with an extreme makeover, he might resemble Dennis Rodman on the court.”

In his one season at Kentucky, Vanderbilt averaged 7.9 rebounds, 5.9 points, 1.0 assists, and 0.8 blocks in 17 minutes per game while shooting 42.6 percent from the field and 63.2 percent from the free throw line. He only played in 14 games.

Vanderbilt will most likely be an early second, late first round pick. The only reason the Hawks make this pick at 30 is because of the new head, Lloyd Pierce. Pierce is a defensive-minded coach and may want to get a guy like Vanderbilt on his team so he can see what he can do with him. He could play both forward positions and maybe even some small-ball center. If he figures it out, he could be a top defender in the NBA.

The Ringer compared him to Rondae Hollis-Jefferson, and Luc Mbah a Moute. Both guys came into the league raw with basketball skills, but great physical tools. Vanderbilt could really thrive with a young team like the Hawks and coach like Pierce who might be able to get the most out him on the defensive end. With the 30th pick, this is a low-risk, high-reward situation.

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