Article by Antwon “Smitty” Smith
The Atlanta Hawks had one plan going into the 2019 NBA Draft, find 2-3 players that could come in and make an instant impact on their young team. Atlanta GM Travis Schlenk made it clear he didn’t want to draft six rookies or have to many heading into training camp. The Hawks did just that as they put all of their assets in the table, shuffled the deck and played their hand just right.
Atlanta tried to move up as high as the third spot but the Knicks shot the offer down just a fast as they put it up. New York had a their sights set on R.J. Barrett and didn’t let up in their pursuit as they took him with the third overall selection.
Related Video: Hawks take Deandre Hunter and Cam Reddish in the NBA lottery – – – >https://youtu.be/Q4qkmVUtpvg
The Cavs were also one of the teams that the Hawks pursued for a trade but it also fell through. They also offered the 8th and 10th picks but it was to no avail. The deal was said to have included taking on Kevin Love’s huge contract (3 years/$90 million remaining) along with the 5th pick of the draft, but the Cavs backed out.
Enter the New Orleans Pelicans, looking to pick up more assets to build around rookie sensation Zion Williamson and get salary cap relief, they discussed the deal and came to an agreement the day before the draft. This was the trade that was agreed upon:
Pelicans get:
8th overall pick
17th overall pick
35th overall pick
2020 1st round pick (protected)
Hawks get:
F Solomon Hill
4th overall pick
57th overall pick
The Hawks used the fourth overall pick to take the best defensive player in the draft, taking Deandre Hunter out of Virginia. He brings the solid defensive player Atlanta has needed on the wing since Demarr Carroll left for Toronto a couple of years ago. He is a spotty shooter, but can score around the rim and play strong on the boards. His defensive presence may bring Draymond Green type feel to the Hawks line up, if that’s the case the Hawks may become one of the best teams in the open floor.
They were also able to keep one of their top ten picks, which could eventually become the biggest steal of the entire 2019 NBA Draft. Atlanta selected former McDonald’s All-American Cam Reddish, who was in most mock drafts a sure shot top five pick. Reddish who played alongside first pick Zion Williamson and third pick R.J. Barrett at Duke, was the 3rd wheel during the 2018-2019 season. He was the third option on one of the most talked about teams in recent history. Cam picked up a lot of the slack during the time Zion missed with the ankle injury. He averaged 13.5 points per game but he only shot 35.6% from the floor, which he will have to work on this summer before the season starts in November.
The Hawks needed help in the front court, so they moved up in the second round to take Maryland Forward Bruno Fernando with the 34th pick. It was the Hawks 3rd and final pick of the night. The Hawks struck a deal with the 76ers (2 future 2nd round picks and 57th overall pick) to bring in the athletic big man, who should compete for playing time at center. Fernando brings much needed rim protection (10.6 rpg, 1.9 bpg) and the type of energy needed on the floor and in the locker room.
Trae Young and John Collins are the cornerstone of this team so it’s only right that the GM keeps adding nice pieces around them. The Hawks may only be a year or two away from becoming another 60-win team.
Atlanta has the right coach leading them into the next phase of their development, as Lloyd Pierce has shown he can guide this team in the right direction. Pierce is a players coach and he has everyone on board buying into his system. Yes, they only won 29 games last season but they gelled and played as a unit, which is significant in any teams growth.
This young team can only get better from this point on. If they continue to grow as a unit, they will definitely be a team to watch in the wide open Eastern Conference next season.
Follow me on:
Twitter: @fatboislim_21
Instagram: an2won
Podcast on Anchor, Spotify and Apple Podcasts:
Smitty’s Sports Machine
YouTube Channel: Smitty’s Sports Machine
Smitty's Sports Machine 