Written by Prince Robinson Jr., Hawks Writer. Photo courtesy of blackheartsgoldpants.com
Atlanta should bank on potential.
In the 2019 NBA draft, the Atlanta Hawks could potentially have two lottery picks. One of their own and another that was traded from the Dallas Mavericks for the rights to Luka Doncic.
Doncic has been a runaway favorite for Rookie of the year so far. Regrets loom Atlanta on where the Hawks would be if they held onto Doncic instead on Trae Young.
Only time will tell.
However, the Hawks could find themselves in a full circle situation. According to NBAdraft.net, a website which aggregates and makes predictions on upcoming draft classes, has the Hawks selecting in the fourth and tenth overall picks.
The fourth could soon change depending on if the Hawks enter tank mode, but the tenth could all depend on how Dallas fairs for the rest of the season.
If the Mavericks barely miss the playoffs, the pick will be in the late lottery. Picking in the 10-14 range has worked for some teams. Others totally botched it.
Just ask the Nuggets, who selected Donovan Mitchell No. 13 in the 2017 NBA draft but traded him to the Utah Jazz.
You could also ask the Warriors, who picked Klay Thompson at No. 11 in 2011. They kept him, obviously. In return, he has become one of the greatest shooters the game of basketball has ever known – alongside Stephen Curry.
For the Hawks, landing in late lottery could call for them to take a chance. With the selection, they should pick Bol Bol, the 7 foot 2 inch big man from the University of Oregon.
Bol is the son of NBA late-great Manute Bol.
Manute was widely regarded as one of the tallest basketball players of all time, standing 7 foot 7 inches tall. His son, has a fairly large wingspan on 7 foot 8 inches.
That would rank third behind Magic’s center Mo Bamba and Jazz center Rudy Gobert.
There is no doubt that Bol has game, the Hawks would be grateful if he pans out with his health.
He has been sidelined for multiple games because of a left foot injury and is unlikely to fully recover before the end of the season. According to Jeff Borzello, ESPN staff writer, Bol announced that his college career was over on Jan. 3.
In his nine game stint with the Ducks, Bol averaged 21 points, a bit under 10 rebounds a game and 2.7 blocks. He also shot 52 percent from beyond the arc.
Now, how would he fit with the Hawks?
Bol has the ability to step out and shoot a midrange and three-point basket. He can also get dirty in the paint and shoot over either shoulder.
Hawks Head Coach Lloyd Pierce’s offense allows his players to create spacing. This spacing allows defenses to stretch out beyond their intentions to guard the perimeter – especially for big men.
Center Alex Len hasn’t been as effective in Pierce’s offense, but he has followed the game plan. He has taken more three’s than he has ever did at any point during his six year career.
Inside the paint, he is usually money, making close to 50 percent. Bol shot 56 percent in college.
Change out Len for Bol and the Hawks could have themselves a generational talent. A talent that doesn’t very often come around.
Unlike Len, Bol plays much better defense and will give the Hawks an anchor down low (assuming he adds muscle and weight to a slim 250 lbs).
With close to three blocks a game in college, that shows that he has a motor to cause deflections.
Pierce could use that ability as they Hawks rank No. 13 in the league in blocks. Add Bol to the mix and Atlanta will be back on the map.
Draft night should be interesting for Hawks fans.
