Atlanta Hawks: 2019 NBA Draft grades

Overall

The Atlanta Hawks used their draft capital to make some moves, add some cash and make even more moves in this year’s draft. They entered the day of the draft with six overall picks, sold a few for future considerations and used the rest to address big needs on the team.

The Hawks were already very good and exciting on the offensive side of the ball, putting up 113.3 points per game last season (12th in the league). They weren’t necessarily the most efficient, but part of that may have been due to the fact that they led the league in pace last year.

This year’s draft class addressed some of the defensive flaws that they team has. Trae Young is small for the point guard position, but what he doesn’t have defensively he makes up for offensively. The drafting of De’Andre Hunter should give the team their defensive stopper to put on their opponent’s main scoring threat.

Cam Reddish should be able to help on the defensive side a little as well, serving in the Klay Thompson-like role if the Hawks are still trying to be the Eastern Conference version on the Warriors.

Bruno Fernando will be a great project for the team as well, but could have an impact sooner than later. His athleticism and physicality should allow the Hawks to be a better force around the rim. He’ll be able to be key in pick-and-roll plays and provide a lot of help to John Collins when they’re on the court together.

The Hawks also managed to accumulate around $3.2 million in cash considerations by selling picks, move Tauren Prince and not be affected long-term with the contracts of Allen Crabbe and Solomon Hill. They also essentially swapped Cleveland’s 2020 protected first with the Nets’ 2020 protected first, which may be better for them in the long run.

Travis Schlenk wasn’t lying when he said he would be active for the draft. Four different trades later (all official as of July 6) and he’s picked up great complementary pieces to add to his last two drafts. The Hawks should have multiple picks yet again next year, as well as a good amount of salary cap space.

The Atlanta Hawks; rebuilding plans couldn’t be going much better and the 2019 NBA Draft may get them to contender status quicker than many realized.

Final Grade: A-