2019 NBA Mock Draft: The Boston Celtics clean up
player. 125. . F. Virginia. De'Andre Hunter. 5
If the Hawks could truly walk away from this draft with both Hunter and Jaxson Hayes, they would have to be delighted. Each is a high-floor player with upside to grow into starters on championship teams. Both are versatile talents who fit beautifully with the Hawks’ core. Both come from programs that have typically produced high-character players in the NBA. All things considered, it would be a perfect scenario for Atlanta.
On Monday night against Virginia Tech in a Rivalry Week matchup televised nationally, Hunter was fairly quiet. The sophomore scored just 10 points and grabbed four rebounds in 26 minutes of play during a close win. It was fairly surprising to see Virginia squeak out a win on the road without a big game from Hunter, but his defense was characteristically solid and it ended in a win, so there’s not much to complain about from the game.
A player like Hunter who could slide in and play either forward spot for the Hawks would be a perfect transition for both parties. Hunter would be able to be the third or fourth option, just as he is most nights for the Cavaliers and Atlanta would get more defensive presence in their starting unit alongside Trae Young and John Collins, two players who will carry the offense. Imagining a unit made up of Young, Kevin Huerter, Hunter, Collins and Hayes is dreamy.
The Hawks are close and this draft could take them closer.