Sports Illustrated: 2020 Top 100 Projections

[JayBirdHawk]

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Taurean Prince, Atlanta Hawks

Flying under the radar as the Hawks struggled, Prince showed improvements and made a big statistical stride as a sophomore, averaging 14.1 points, starting all 82 games, and putting his 3-and-D skillset to better use all around. He’s a jack-of-all-trades with the type of strong build and defensive utility that tends to come at a premium these days, plus an improving jump shot that should enable him to stick around the NBA for as long as he wants.

Prince still has to prove he can do what he does best while also producing winning results, and the Hawks have a long way to go in that regard. He was not a particularly efficient scorer last season, and he should be a big beneficiary from the additions of Trae Young, Jeremy Lin, and to a lesser extent, Kevin Huerter. If Prince's shooting splits continue trending upward and Prince evolves into a plus defender, he can be the type of player any team could use.

 

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John Collins, Atlanta Hawks

After a string of jaw-dropping games at Las Vegas Summer League showcased his talent, Collins could be on the verge of a statistical breakout at age 21. He already exceeded expectations as a rookie, averaging double figures, impacting the glass on both ends and making 26 starts. Collins should become a full-time starter and lineup fixture as the Hawks start their rebuild, and he will benefit from having Trae Young and Jeremy Lin on the floor making plays.

 

A dynamic rim-roller who has nicely expanded his shooting range and fits the bill athletically, Collins has begun to unlock the upper end of his potential. He could be more impactful defensively, but there’s no doubt he belongs. Whether this season or next, it shouldn’t be long before he’s posting nightly double-doubles, which would certainly make him a candidate for the Top 100 list. Although the Hawks won’t win a ton of games, Collins’ individual development should be entertaining to follow.

http://amp.si.com/nba/2018/09/14/top-100-nba-players-2020-watch-list-markelle-fultz-deandre-ayton-luka-doncic?__twitter_impression=true

[Gray Mule]

How can this be?  These "experts" keep saying nice things about our players (see above) which we really appreciate and agree with.  But, in the very same breath they say that the Hawks will lose almost all their games.

Either this Hawk team is no good and they lose OR they are good and they win.  Can't have it both ways.  We all know that this Hawk team is not and will not be great.  But, next year's draft is not the holy grail.  Our entire future does not depend on our getting that #1 pick, does it?

(At sea??)

[kg01]

3 minutes ago, Gray Mule said:

How can this be?  These "experts" keep saying nice things about our players (see above) which we really appreciate and agree with.  But, in the very same breath they say that the Hawks will lose almost all their games.

Either this Hawk team is no good and they lose OR they are good and they win.  Can't have it both ways.  We all know that this Hawk team is not and will not be great.  But, next year's draft is not the holy grail.  Our entire future does not depend on our getting that #1 pick, does it?

(At sea??)

What you're experiencing is the zombie that re-emerged after the death of real journalism.  It's fancy bet-hedging.  This way, when it all works out, the author(sic) can act like he knew it was gonna be great all along.

[JayBirdHawk]

4 - 2018 Rookies made the List:

Ayton, Doncic, Carter Jr and Jackson Jr.

[Spud2nique]

1 hour ago, JayBirdHawk said:

4 - 2018 Rookies made the List:

Ayton, Doncic, Carter Jr and Jackson Jr.

They are gonna be sorry they didn’t put Trae on that list. In 2 years, Bagley may also appear on the top ?.