:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/34101133/171680715.0.jpg)
The Atlanta Hawks have been one of the more intriguing teams in the NBA Draft process to this point, with a wide range of names projected to fall in the lap of Danny Ferry and company with the 15th overall pick. However, Draft Express has released their latest mock draft, and they have presented a very unique name in the form of Latvian big man Kristaps Porzingis.
Porzingis is unfamiliar to even the most diehard of NBA fans, and the 18-year-old has been a fast-rising player in this year's class. At this moment, Draft Express ranks him as the 23rd prospect overall in this class, with ESPN slotting him at 18th overall and 6th among his position group at the power forward spot.
The 6-foot-11, 220-pound big man seems to be identified as a power forward at this stage, and he has been widely praised for his athleticism, shooting acumen and ability to defend multiple positions with great length. However, Porzingis seems to fit the European stereotype of a player who needs to add bulk and toughness, and there seems to be little consensus as to what type of role would fit him at the NBA level.
There will surely be some discussion about roster construction any time that the Hawks are linked to a big man instead of a swingman, but this would seemingly be a long-term, "upside" play for Atlanta.