Targets for the Atlanta Hawks in the NBA Draft

On Thursday night the Hawks will have some tough decisions to make.  They have the 19th and the 51st picks in the NBA draft.  I am going to list five candidates that Rick Sund should consider choosing at each spot. 

1. Ty Lawson

Lawson may be gone when the 19th pick comes around, but if he isn't, Atlanta shouldn't hesitate to draft him. He lacks the superstar potential that other point guards in this draft have, but he is also one of the safest picks in the draft. 

Lawson may not be an All-Star, but he will be a good starting point guard in the league for the next 10-12 years.  If the Hawks choose Lawson, don't be surprised if Mike Bibby isn't re-signed. 

2. Eric Maynor

If Lawson is gone by the 19th pick, then Eric Maynor should be available and he is the next-best thing.  

He was a four-year starter at VCU, and has an extremely high basketball IQ. His jump shot is suspect at times, but that can always be improved. He reminds me a lot of Andre Miller. 

3. B.J. Mullens

Mullens will more than likely be gone by the time the Hawks pick, but if he is available they definitely have to consider taking him. Legit seven-footers are hard to come by, and this man is every bit of sevenfeet.

He might end up being the next Kwame Brown, but he would be worth the risk if he was available this late. 

4. Sam Young

Young should definitely be available at this point in the draft and he would allow the Hawks to go a different route this off season. He is an extremely strong player that plays good defense and has a decent post-up and mid-range game.

He is also extremely mature at the age of 24.  If selected, I would assume the Hawks would use Marvin Williams in a sign and trade, and then resign Bibby. Young would either jump into Marvin's starting role, or become the sixth man and let Moe Evans start. 

5. Tyler Hansbrough/Taj Gibson

I put both of these candidates on here because Hansbrough has been flying up draft boards the last week or so.  Both guys could add much-needed depth at the power forward spot, though. Neither are going to be stars in the league, but both are adequate frontcourt depth. 

For the second-round pick, I think the Hawks should pick an upperclassmen from college that should be able to make the team.  They should pick one of these five players:

1. Alade Aminu

He is a shade shorter than seven feet, extremely athletic, has high character, and would bring relentless energy to the team.  Think Anderson Varejao.  He would provide insurance in case Atlanta can't re-sign Zaza Pachulia. 

2. Toney Douglas

Douglas is the reigning ACC Defensive Player of the Year. He also led Florida State in scoring and was the team's leader in the locker room. Douglas tore up the ACC this past season and could immediately step in and fill the void that Flip Murray filled last season. 

3. Goran Suton

Suton impressed me in the NCAA tournament.  He has a nasty side, but also has some finesse to his game. He would be a good rotational big man to have on the bench. 

4. Danny Green

Green was highly touted coming out of high school, but was overshadowed by bigger names at UNC. He could fill a vital roll of the bench for the Hawks playing back up shooting guard and small forward.

5. Jeff Adrien

Adrien is full of heart and hustle. He is also an extremely strong player.  He would be a great addition to the Hawks bench. Think a combination between Jason Maxiell and Glen Davis.