2019 NBA Mock Draft: Charlotte moves up thanks to a Tankathon simulation

The Hawks would probably be thrilled to shore up their depth at forward by drafting both Doumbouya and their next pick at No. 6. It’s basically the only weak point on their roster right now.

At point guard, the Hawks have a generational shooting/passing combination who plays with joy and confidence that will push him a long way — that’s Trae Young. Their long-term wing starter alongside Young is a big, smooth playmaker whose nickname is Red Velvet, also known as Kevin Huerter. At the big spots, John Collins may not be a traditional center but he checks all the boxes for what you want on offense from a big man in today’s NBA.

What he needs are versatile forwards around him who can defend bigger players, help protect the rim and feed him on offense. Doumbouya is a great answer to those problems. He’s not going to be the power forward who slides Collins full-time to center on defense, but Doumbouya brings great size as a ripe 18-year-old. He is also incredibly filled out and strong on the interior despite his age and inexperience.

Doumbouya is really the whole package. The challenge for a coaching staff like Atlanta’s will be to sort out what his ultimate value and role is in the NBA. What the Hawks need (team defense and shooting) may not be what Doumbouya is immediately best at, but the opportunity to bring someone with as high a ceiling as Doumbouya seems to have is valuable, particularly when he’s at a position of need.