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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 Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

1. Moritz Wagner

  • Height: 6’11”
  • Weight: 241 lbs
  • Age: 21
  • Position: C/PF

Moritz Wagner played three seasons at Michigan University and established himself as an NBA-caliber player. He is a big man that can handle the ball, shoot, makes smart plays and tries hard on defense. The Ringer labeled him as a “skilled offensive big man who needs to improve defensively to stay on the floor.”

Last season at Michigan, Wagner averaged 14.6 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals in 27.6 minutes per game while shooting 52.8 percent from the field and 39.4 percent from the 3-point line. Wagner was the best player on his team and was one of the top players in the NCAA tournament, leading his Michigan team to the national championship game.

The Hawks will probably take Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr. or Mohamed Bamba with the third pick. The Hawks then will have John Collins and one of those guys as their starting frontcourt. Wagner would be an excellent backup in the frontcourt and brings a different skill-set than those other players.

He fits the modern NBA big man because he can space the floor. He could play both center and power forward for the Hawks. Wagner is a hard worker, mature and has a high basketball IQ. Being on the Hawks, he would not have to be the primary man and could benefit with more space and one-on-one matchups.

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition

The Ringer compared him to Channing Frye, Henry Ellenson and Kelly Olynyk. All three guys are stretch bigs. Frye and Olynyk both found their niche in the league and have proved to be valuable players on a playoff team. If Wagner gets into the right situation, he could become one of the best stretch bigs in the NBA in a couple of seasons.

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