Los Angeles Lakers get high mark in complete 2017 NBA Draft first round grades

The Atlanta Hawks might have one of the roughest offseasons of any team in the NBA. After losing to the Washington Wizards in the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, the Hawks have already traded Dwight Howard this offseason. Now, they also have to worry about Paul Millsap walking away as a free agent.

Considering the Hawks don’t have much of a chance to compete in the East next season, Millsap will likely be attempting to join a contender this offseason. Since the Hawks are possibly losing their starting center and power forward this offseason, drafting a big man was to be expected.

With the 19^th overall pick, the Hawks did address that need with the selection of John Collins from Wake Forest. In his second season at Wake Forest, Collins nearly average 20-10, as he proved that he can produce against the elite competition in the ACC.

At 6’10”, Collins has the size to play at either power forward or center for the Hawks next season. Assuming Millsap leaves, the Hawks will be asking a lot of Collins as a rookie. Luckily for them, he is a very good player and should be able to thrive as a rookie. This was a really solid pick by the Hawks, as it fills a need, and Collins is a great value at 19^th.