The Hawks love shooters and they got the most unique one in the draft with the 6-10, super and athletic Payne, who will step in as a suped up version of Mike Scott. Payne is already 23, which explains why he was available at 15, if he was even 20 we're talking a top 10 pick because his combination or shooting, size, and athleticism doesn't come around very often. There are some minor concerns besides age, like his inconsistency as a rebounder and history of under-achieving, but Payne should be able to contribute above-average play from day one and help anchor a bench unit that just lost Lou Williams.
43. Walter Tavares, C Cape Verde (7-3, 260)
Sandwiched between two high floor college seniors was perhaps the upside pick of the draft in the raw, massive Walter Tavares. Tavares is a good athlete for his size and has a huge 7-6 wingspan and really big hands. However, he has only been playing basketball for a couple years and is a ways away from being ready for the NBA. Odds are he is never heard from again, but there is a chance he turns into something, in which case Atlanta would have a game changer. The Hawks recently traded Lucas Nogueria, so Tavares will take his place as the lottery ticket center playing in Spain, though Tavares is further away.
48. Lamar Patterson, SG Pittsburgh Sr. (6-5, 226)
Patterson is similar to Payne in that he does two things well, shoot and defend, and due to his age, probably doesn't have upside beyond that. Patterson is ready to play right away and will likely slot into the Hawks bench and a 3-and-D wing in place of the recently traded Lou Williams. Between (nearly) sure contributors in Payne and Patterson, and a high upside, swing-for-the-fences, the Hawks has a well balanced draft.
Projected Lineup
PG: Jeff Teague/Dennis Schroeder
SG: Kyle Korver/Lamar Patterson
SF: DeMarre Carroll/Cartier Martin
PF: Paul Millsap/Adeian Payne
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