Atlanta Hawks 2019 NBA Draft Picks: A New Era Unfolds
The 2019 NBA Draft was a pivotal moment for the Atlanta Hawks, marking the beginning of a new era with a fresh crop of talent. The Hawks, armed with four picks, made strategic selections that could shape the team's future. Let's delve into Atlanta's 2019 draft picks, their backgrounds, and what they bring to the table.
Trae Young: The Face of the Franchise
The Hawks kicked off the draft by selecting Trae Young with the fifth overall pick. The Oklahoma Sooner was a sensation in his lone college season, averaging an impressive 27.4 points and 8.8 assists per game. Young's exceptional shooting range and playmaking abilities make him an exciting addition to the Hawks. He's already proven his worth, becoming a key player in his rookie season and earning a spot in the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.
De'Andre Hunter: Versatility and Defense
With the fourth pick in the lottery, the Hawks chose De'Andre Hunter from the University of Virginia. Hunter is a versatile wing known for his lockdown defense and three-point shooting. He was a crucial part of Virginia's 2019 NCAA Championship team, providing clutch shooting and stifling defense. Hunter's two-way potential makes him an excellent fit for the Hawks, who have been looking to shore up their defense.
Cam Reddish: High Upside and Scoring Ability
Atlanta used their third first-round pick (10th overall) on Cam Reddish from Duke University. Reddish is a long, athletic wing with a smooth shooting stroke and high upside. Despite struggling with injuries during his freshman year, Reddish showed flashes of brilliance, including a 27-point performance against Kentucky. With his size, skillset, and potential, Reddish could develop into a key piece for the Hawks.
Bruno Fernando: Energy and Rebounding
The Hawks rounded out their draft class by selecting Bruno Fernando with the 34th pick. The Maryland Terrapin is a physical, energetic big man who excels in the paint and on the glass. Fernando led the Big Ten in rebounding during his sophomore season and was named to the All-Big Ten First Team. His aggressive play and nose for the ball could provide valuable minutes and energy off the bench for the Hawks.
Atlanta Hawks 2019 Draft Picks: A Look at the Board
| Pick | Player | Position | College/Team |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | Trae Young | PG | Oklahoma Sooners |
| 4 | De'Andre Hunter | SF | Virginia Cavaliers |
| 10 | Cam Reddish | SF | Duke Blue Devils |
| 34 | Bruno Fernando | C | Maryland Terrapins |
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Atlanta Hawks
The 2019 NBA Draft was a crucial moment for the Atlanta Hawks, as they added several promising young players to their roster. With Trae Young leading the way, the Hawks have a talented, young core that could grow together and compete in the Eastern Conference. As these players develop and gel, the Hawks could be a force to be reckoned with in the coming years.
