3 DAYS TO GO, DRAFTING 3RD
3rd Overall:
Atlanta Hawks As it is almost certain that the top two overall picks will be Kevin Durant and Greg Oden - the 3rd overall pick is the first place where a GM will have to make a decision.
The question of which Florida player will be taken first might be answered when commissioner David Stern reads off the Hawks choice. At 6'10" almost 250 pounds, Al Horford possesses the perfect big time power forward body.
Horford might turn out to be the best Gator on draft night, but he'll still be 2nd best to Neal Walk. With the #1 and #2 picks being locked up, Walk will remain the highest Gator ever drafted (2nd overall). Walk's career was good, in his best season he averaged 20 points and 12 rebounds. NBA GM's think that Horford could produce similar numbers, next season.
The Hawks are young and have great potential - especially with the 3rd and the 11th overall picks. Being young means they are in the "waiting to be good" mode. This waiting has gone on so long that some people think that the Hawks could trade either or both of their picks tied with a young player to bring in a veteran (Gasol, Garnett, Kobe?). But right now, with a bunch of shooting guards and small forwards, what the Hawks really need is a point guard.
The last two drafts they've needed a point guard. Last year they passed on Randy Foye and took Shelden Williams (5th overall). Williams contributed 5 points and 5 rebounds a game while Foye looks to be the future in Minnesota. What is even worse is that they didn't even need Shelden because the year before they passed on Deron Williams and Chris Paul (Won Rookie of the Year) to take Marvin Williams. Marvin hasn't lived up to the hype while Deron was posting triple doubles in this years playoffs.
Marvin and Shelden will turn out to be fine players - but neither is Al Horford. Horford is beastly, he's serious, experience and sharp. What's good about Horford is that he is ready to play now, and he has a winners mentality.
The reason why Atlanta will go with Horford over Mike Conley Jr. is because the Hawks will have the opportunity to take the 2nd best point guard when they pick at 11. Very suitable to run the point is Texas A&M's floor leader Acie Law. Law led the Agies to an impressive 25 win season and like Horford has the ability to contribute right away - something that Atlanta is desperate to do.
Although selecting Conley third is thought to be too high to take him, the Hawks could finally draft their point guard. If Atlanta doesn't pick Horford the reason could be because he did struggle guarding NBA talent in college. He matched up twice against Greg Oden - so I'm sure the Hawks GM Billy Knight (and probably every GM) endlessly studied that game film not only for Horford, but Conley Jr as well. During the meetings (1 time for the title), Oden was able to use his size and body to bully his way to the basket against Horford's style of defense.
I haven't heard any problems about Horford during his work-outs. In fact, most GM's feel that Horford is the total package. Al could turn out to be the 2007 version of Dwyane. When LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony were touted as sure things (Oden & Durant), Wade slipped under the radar. Horford would make a great addition in Boston, Memphis, Milwaukee and Minnesota. Most people expect Horford to be the first Gator leaving the green room and I wouldn't doubt it being to Atlanta.
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