Atlanta Hawks: 5 options for pick No. 8 in 2019 NBA Draft

1. Brandon Clarke

If Sekou Doumbouya is the gifted, unproved prospect and Jaxson Hayes is the proven defensive force, then that makes Brandon Clarke the more well-rounded prospect. Hayes and Clarke could end up being close to being drafted back-to-back, but let’s take a look at their stats.

Hayes averaged a respectable 10.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game. He disappeared in his lone tourney game and he’s just a freshman, so he still has a lot to learn for the next level. Clarke had a little more time in the college ranks to improve his craft, spending two years at San Jose State, sitting out a year, and then cracking Gonzaga’s lineup this past year.

In his second year at SJSU, Clarked averaged 17.5 points and 8.9 rebounds per game. Despite sitting out a year, he didn’t miss a beat at Gonzaga, putting up 16.9 points and grabbing 8.6 rebounds per game. He was able to improve his blocks per game, going from 2.6 per game in 2016-17 to 3.2 in 2018-19, leading the country in blocks.

Brandon likely won’t make it past No. 12, but Jonathan Tjarks over at The Ringer actually has Clarke at No. 2 on his draft board. He doesn’t have quite the frame that Hayes has, but he’s still described by The Ringer as a guy who “plays team-first basketball.” His scouting report goes on to say:

"“Explosive leaper with soft hands … Good decision-maker. The type of player who plays “good to great” basketball by grabbing a rebound and locating an open teammate instead of forcing up a careless, contested shot. Handles the ball well for his size; he can take rebounds and go coast-to-coast. Sets solid screens, and has good feel and timing on dives to the rim; with his passing and dribbling skill, he could be a weapon on the short roll.”"

Clarke should produce no matter who he plays for, but he also shows an understanding for a lot of the small things on the court.

The Atlanta Hawks need to address their defense, and while adding to their wings would be a good thing for them, if Clarke has caught their eye, they may end up drafting him at No. 8 in case he’s not there when they pick again at No. 10.