2018 NBA Mock Draft: Collin Sexton could break open the New York Knicks’ ceiling

One ingredient missing in the Hawks’ rebuild is some kind of go-to wing scorer, a piece that looks increasingly more important for NBA success. After a medical redshirt last season, Baites-Diop has grabbed the reins for a wide-open Buckeyes squad and not looked back. He looks exactly like the NBA wings we see taking over games every night.

Suddenly a 3-point bomber, Baites-Diop has upped his attempts to over five per game while making 36 percent of them. That has opened up the rest of his game, allowing his true value as a devastating face-up scorer to come alive.

The game everyone will remember from Ohio State’s conference slate will be their massive victory over Michigan State, a team with two presumptive lottery picks and talent across the roster. Instead of being dominated by the Spartan stars, a high-energy beatdown led by Baites-Diop put the Buckeyes at the top of the Big Ten standings.

As a junior, he has the size to get to his spots down low, and the deep shot will be a big key if he can maintain success there going forward. He will have all the opportunities in the world to continue developing in Atlanta.