Draft Thoughts

Although Billy Knight denied the rumor yesterday, Andy Katz at ESPN is claiming that the deal is already done and the Hawks will take Cling-on Williams as the 5th pick in tonight's draft. He’s only 6-9, and won’t be able to guard centers so the best we can hope for is that he would overachieve and be a Haslem type who rebounds well and plays D. I don’t think he’s Elton Brand by any stretch, but he did perform in big games while at Duke. Williams is Duke's all-time leading rebounder and blocker and finished his career in the top 20 in NCAA history in both categories. He dominated in the NCAA Tournament, averaging 23.0 points, 15.0 rebounds and 5.0 blocks per game in Duke's three contests. In addition, he held SEC player of the year Glen Davis to just 3-of-12 shooting and five rebounds in his final collegiate game.

By the way, the Hawks haven’t drafted an All-Star in 22 years. That seems impossible.

The NBA is now a guard dominated league. Most bigs have been demoted to role players who clean up glass and set high screens. Assuming the Hawks re-sign Harrington, I’d like to see the ATL team learn from their mistake last year and take a point guard:
1. Randy Foye
2. Marcus Williams
Personally, I like both of these guys and think they'll be successful in the league. Plus, the Hawks need someone to run this team and throw J. Smooth oops, right? If this means trading down for MARCUS Williams and acquiring some additional talent, cash, or picks, then even better.

All said, my prediction is that the Hawks will draft a mediocre swingman with a below average jump shot. So it looks like Rudy Gay, Thabo Sefolosha, or Rodney Carney.

Don't ask me why...I've just got a feeling.