2018 NBA Mock Draft: Luka Doncic could accelerate the Hawks’ rebuild

Atlanta has so many young players at this point, with the potential to add three more in this year’s draft, that it’s hard to peg down where they’ll look at each spot. Metu fits the bill, like their following two selections, of a good fit under coach Mike Budenholzer.

While John Collins is an athletic marvel who can hop out of an arena, Metu is a smoother player. He could probably play either big man position in the NBA, with the ability to make outside shots. Furthermore, he can move the ball credibly from the elbow or on dribble hand-offs outside the arc.

Defensively, Metu should be able to handle rim-protecting responsibilities as a backup. He has the timing and leaping ability developed through three years at USC. What’s interesting to think about if Metu were on the current Hawks roster is Metu playing with Collins. It could give Atlanta a different look after playing so small this year.

Budenholzer doesn’t seem to prize smallness so much as versatility and spacing, so Atlanta might provide Metu an opportunity to develop his shot. It would help him fit better into the NBA and especially into Atlanta’s system.