2018 NBA Mock Draft: If need were all that mattered

The Hawks are not a fit I had previously considered for Musa, but stacking things up based solely on need this week, it makes a lot of sense.

First, if Musa indeed stays overseas for another season or two, Atlanta is one franchise which certainly can afford the patience to wait for his arrival. They also have a team that could easily absorb Musa’s defensive limitations. Because of Taurean Prince’s trajectory toward becoming a great 3-and-D player, Musa would be perfect opposite him on the wing.

The other thing to keep an eye on is whether Atlanta will continue to be a hotbed for international players. Under Mike Budenholzer, the team benefitted from being active in that market, using players like Malcolm Delaney, Pero Antic, Thabo Sefolosha and of course Dennis Schroder to great success. However, last season with new general manager Travis Schlenck putting the roster together, that trend seemed to disappear.

Perhaps new coach Lloyd Pierce’s familiarity with the culture and style in Philadelphia will make him eager to bring in a European prospect like Musa, who will bring scoring punch wherever he lands.