The 2016 NBA Draft is just over 24 hours away and there still is no consensus on what direction the Atlanta Hawks might go on Draft day. The Hawks have worked out a long list of players but one that they have reportedly done extensive research on is St. Joseph’s forward DeAndre Bembry.
Atlanta, Philadelphia, and San Antonio have done the most extensive research on DeAndre Bembry, source told @CBSSports. All pick bw 20-30.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) June 22, 2016
Bembry checked in at No. 20 on ESPN Draft analyst Chad Ford’s big board, where he highlights his passing ability as well as being an elite athlete.
Bembry might be the best passer in the draft after Ben Simmons. He's an elite athlete. He can play three positions on both ends of the floor. He's one of those guys where the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
At this point, Bembry’s major weakness is with his jumpshot, but the Hawks have had recent success in improving players (DeMarre Carroll, Kent Bazemore, etc.) in that area.
Things have changed a bit since Atlanta acquired the No. 12 pick via the Jeff Teague trade on Wednesday. The Hawks may opt to look for a draft and stash option at No. 21 or could trade the pick all together. Still, the due diligence they have done on Bembry makes him a player to keep an eye on as the process unfolds.