2018 NBA Mock Draft: Knicks go big with Mo Bamba

Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk hasn’t said much about the types of players he will target as personnel chief, and it’s tough to make much of his Best Player Available selection of John Collins last June. Schlenk said shortly after being hired that character was the most important trait he looked for in prospects, despite being a player evaluation guy during his time with Golden State. That said, Young might simply be the Best Player Available again this year.

Schlenk told the Atlanta Journal-Constitution this February following the trade deadline, “We think (salary) cap space will be very valuable this summer, especially based on the way the deadline went. It’s more important to maintain cap space next summer.” Whether or not this actually means Atlanta will be competitive for top young free agents such as DeMarcus Cousins or Aaron Gordon, it’s clear Schlenk considers this a roster under construction. The fact Atlanta has Dennis Schroder already might not even be a factor in the team’s draft strategy next month.

If even a portion of the production from Young’s prolific freshman season travels with him to his first NBA city, he will set the league aflame. Atlanta can space the floor well with Schroder, Taurean Prince and John Collins, despite being a rebuilding team. Young would have space to operate and time to work through mistakes.