2012 NBA Draft: Early Draft Picks Atlanta Hawks Should Target

The Atlanta Hawks are poised for another confusing season in which success is far too loosely defined. Despite continuing to make their presence known as a playoff contender, Atlanta has as many questions as Josh Smith does blocks.

Believe me, that's a lot.

With the past two drafts producing questionable results, including Keith Benson in 2011 and no pick at all in 2010, it's hard to imagine Hawks' fans aren't thrilled to finally have another first round draft choice.

With such a wide variety of talent in this deep draft class, it certainly is a blessing.

Here's who they should be targeting.

First Round, Pick 20: Tony Wroten Jr., Guard, Washington Huskies

Tony Wroten Jr. is your quintessential combo guard, pairing an elite ability to score the basketball with excellent court vision and passing. In a way Hawks fans can understand, he's a more efficient Jamal Crawford.

Wroten Jr. is billed as one of the top point guards in this draft class, but at 6'5", there is no reason he can't play the 2. The southpaw can play above the rim, but also has a developing mid-range game. While he's no threat to hit multiple three-pointers, he's respectable enough to spread the defense out.

With this pick, the Hawks would acquire something they've lacked thus far in the 2012 NBA season: a reliable bench scorer. While the 3 is certainly a need, passing up on Wroten Jr. would be asinine.

Season Averages: 16.7 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.9 spg

Second Round, Pick 41 (via Phoenix): Andre Roberson, Forward, Colorado Buffaloes

Andre Roberson is one of the most underrated prospects in the nation.

Much like his team, Roberson has gone under the radar despite playing phenomenal basketball. And much like his team, he'll get a chance to show the world what he's made of in just a few days.

While Roberson lacks an offensive game in which he can create shots for himself, he is a highlight reel waiting to happen when placed around the rim. He's also an elite-level defender who loves to get physical with his opponent.

All in all, he's the type of player that the Hawks need to be targeting with their second round draft choice.

Season Averages: 11.6 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 1.2 spg

Second Round, Pick 50: JaMychal Green, Power Forward, Alabama Crimson Tide

The Hawks are in desperate need of some young depth in the front court, which is exactly why they should take JaMychal Green out of Alabama.

Green is one of the best low-post defenders in the nation, utilizing his length and athleticism to block and disrupt his opponent's shot attempts. He's also an above-average rebounder, a department that the Hawks' bench could certainly use some help in.

On the offensive end of the floor, Green often relies on his athleticism. Nevertheless, he is capable of finishing above the rim and has a developing low post game. If nothing else, his versatility to play both forward positions could be potentially valuable.

Season Averages: 14.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.4 bpg