2017 NBA draft grades: Hawks opt for project in John Collins
The Atlanta Hawks completed a 43-39 regular season before falling in the opening round of the NBA playoffs. Despite exceeding some expectations, the season as a whole was filled with questions about Paul Millsap's upcoming free agency. Size will be a major concern if Millsap does not re-sign, and the Hawks will have to either draft a power forward or sign a free agent.
Offense will likely be the focus this week. Last year, Atlanta selected Taurean Prince (No. 12 overall) and DeAndre' Bembry (No. 21 overall) with its first-round picks. Prince was a starter in the playoffs, but neither received much playing time on the whole this past season.
Here's the full list of picks the Hawks hold in the 2017 draft, which will be updated with grades and analysis as each selection is made.
Round 1, Pick 19 (No. 19 overall): John Collins
Collins’s stock took a bit of a hit down the final stretch of predraft. Some teams were concerned about his maturity, readiness for the NBA and commitment to playing defense. He’s a good prospect and had a productive season, but some additional development is required. If he pans out, the Hawks may have nabbed some value here, but it’s fair to wonder a bit whether he was the best prospect on the board. Long rumored to be taking a big here, Atlanta fills a need with Paul Millsap potentially packing his bags this summer. - Jeremy Woo
Grade: B-
Round 2, Pick 11 (No. 41 overall): Tyler Dorsey, SG, Oregon
Round 2, Pick 30 (No. 60 overall): Alpha Kaba, C, France
