Atlanta Hawks: Ranking the last 10 first-round picks

Atlanta Hawks: Ranking the last 10 first round picks

ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 29: Trae Young #11 of the Atlanta Hawks stands during the National Anthem prior to an NBA game against the Portland Trail Blazers at State Farm Arena on February 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

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Atlanta Hawks (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

Number 3: Dennis Schroeder

The most time has passed since this pick but Schroeder definitely belongs high on this list. It took him three seasons proving himself as a bench player before moving into the starting lineup full time. The fact that this coincided with the steady decline in Hawks wins should not fall on the shoulders of Schroeder.

Schroeder is regularly available, having only missed five games or less in five of the last six seasons. After becoming a start he increased to 17.9 points per game and then 19.4 points per game while improving his efficiency in the first season as a full-time starter.

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After being traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder he transitioned back into a bench role and after stalling some while being paired with Russell Westbrook he is back to his super-reserve self, averaging 19.0 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.1 assists off the bench for a Thunder team that has been a pleasant surprise.

Schroeder is somehow still only 26 and while he did not do much winning in Atlanta he fits a role on a playoff team about as perfectly as one could ask. Had he been drafted earlier in the run of overachieving Hawks teams under Coach Bud and he would have certainly been a contributor to a winning culture in the Peach State.

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