Atlanta’s summer league opponents, dates and times have been announced, so it’s time to look ahead to July!

John Jenkins, Mike Scott and Shelvin Mack are supposed to be on the Hawks’ roster, but outside of those three, we don’t know anyone else yet.  The roster should come into focus after next Thursday’s draft, where Atlanta currently has four picks scheduled for the two rounds.   If no trades are made and all four draft picks are chosen to play in Las Vegas in three weeks, it would bring the roster total to seven.  Others from the D-League may join as well depending on what the roster looks like after the draft.

Summer League is usually designed so teams can see and develop their young talent, and the Hawks will certainly have a lot to evaluate this summer.  With a huge roster overhaul, the players on Atlanta’s team during the 12-day period in July will have not only a lot to play for and certainly a huge opportunity to impress the coaching staff.

For Jenkins, I’ll be particularly interested in his defensive improvement and his explosiveness off the dribble.  We know he can shoot, and we know he can pass – he did both very well during a successful rookie campaign in Atlanta.  There’s still much to develop though, and he can use this Summer League to help hone the skills that could make him a star in the league one day.

For Scott, I’ll be looking for him to make post moves early in possessions, and for him to finish around the basket.  He has a nice 12-15 foot jump shot, But I’d love to see him get more aggressive down low.  Quick decision-making upon receiving the entry passes could help that.  He’ll also likely be guarding bigger players this summer, so we’ll see how he handles himself.

And finally, for Mack, I’ll be looking at his court vision and decision-making.  We saw him grow into creating his own shot after being called up to the Hawks from the D-League, so now it’s a matter of improving his court vision and distribution skills.

The format for Summer League is also new this year.  Instead of the round robin format, the NBA has scheduled three games for each team.  The 22 teams will then be seeded based on the results of those games, and there will be a bracket to determine a champion.  First-round losers will play a consolation game, meaning each team is guaranteed five games.  A team could conceivably play up to eight though if they go from the first round of the tournament all the way to the championship.  The two teams playing in the final game on July 22 will have played no fewer than seven games during the 11-day stretch.

Atlanta’s first three games are July 12 against the Clippers at 6 p.m. ET, July 14 against the Heat at 10 p.m. ET and July 15 against the Spurs at 10 p.m. ET.  All three of Atlanta’s opponents had home-court advantage in at least one playoff series in this year’s playoffs, and they are one of only two teams (Toronto) guaranteed to play both conference champions.

The tournament format certainly adds another layer of competitiveness to an already intense stretch of basketball for the NBA’s youngest stars.

We’ll post an updated blog about Summer League after the draft once we find out the official Hawks roster.

Photo by Bruce Bennett/NBAE/Getty Images

We’re taking a look back at the season that was for each member of the Atlanta Hawks, as well as a sneak peek into what the future might hold.  Today it’s Lou Williams.

The season:  Lou Williams’ first season in Atlanta ended with a disappointing ACL injury after just 39 games.  The guard, who started nine of those 39 for the Hawks, was just getting into his rhythm with the team and becoming a legitimate scoring threat when he went down.  The Hawks weren’t the same afterwards, as they struggled to find depth at the point guard position.

Williams finished fourth on the team in scoring and shot a career-best 37 percent from three-point range during the abbreviated season.  He also shot a career-best 87 percent from the free throw line and handed out nearly four assists per game.  The most impressive thing about Williams was that he did it mostly off the bench.  When Larry Drew went to the second unit, Williams provided the most reliable scoring option.

The future:  Williams is spending the summer recovering and rehabilitating after the ACL tear and hopes to be ready for training camp in October.  He said after the season that he likes the way the Hawks have treated him and is excited to be back for what he hopes will be a full, healthy second go-round.

Much like the other players, Williams’ role on the team depends largely on what Danny Ferry does in the offseason.  Both the draft and free agency open the door for a lot of possibilities, but one thing we do know is Williams definitely will have a role.  He’s a guard who can create his own shot, get the ball to the rim and find open teammates.  He’s spent his entire career as a sixth man, and that’s a role he’s clearly comfortable with.  The Hawks should do a lot of damage if he stays healthy this season.

Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE/Getty Images

We’re taking a look back at the season that was for each member of the Atlanta Hawks, as well as a sneak peek into what the future might hold.  Today it’s John Jenkins.

The season:  John Jenkins got off to a slow start, understandably in his rookie season.  The first-round pick out of Vanderbilt didn’t see a lot of minutes early as coach Larry Drew tried to feel out how he was going to use Jenkins.  As the season progressed, however, he became more comfortable in his role as a shooting guard who specialized in stretching defenses with his shooting ability.  With an increase in production came an increase in playing time, and Jenkins took advantage, solidifying himself in the rotation.

Jenkins was also the unfortunate benefactor of the Lou Williams ACL injury.  Williams, who served as Drew’s first guard off the bench in most games, went down in January, opening the door for Jenkins to fill that roll.  Jenkins ended up shooting 45 percent from the field this season and better than 38 percent from three-point range.  Drew also noted throughout the season that Jenkins became a better defender.  He’s a bit undersized for a shooting guard but played more physical as the season went on.

The future:  Jenkins is locked in for next season, and the Hawks hope the rookie continues to develop his game.  He’s an excellent shooter, and he’s getting better at coming off screens sharply to create space for himself on shots.  That’s something he says he learned from watching teammate Kyle Korver, who is arguably one of the best in the NBA at it.  One element he has that Korver doesn’t is an ability to create off the dribble.  He’s not great at it, but he showed flashes of being able to get to the rim.  If he improves his dribbling skills and can show an ability to finish around the rim, he could blossom into a dangerous guard.

Jenkins will have an interest in Atlanta’s offseason for several reasons.  Obviously he’ll be looking at whether or not Danny Ferry re-signs some key guard pieces or decides to try his luck with the draft and free agency.  Jenkins could find himself quickly turning into a teacher if any number of the four draft picks are guards.  New coach Mike Budenholzer comes from a system that loves spot-up shooters, so that could play into his favor as well.

Photo by Bruce Bennett/NBAE/Getty Images

As we get approach the 2013 NBA Draft, we are reaching out to local experts to help us scout some of the players the Hawks may take in the first round.  We had Christophe Ney from EuropeanProspects.com help us scout Germany guard Dennis Schroeder.

What are his strengths? Weaknesses?

Dennis Schröder can be first of all characterized by a fantastic speed that you rarely see for a German or even European guard. Additionally, he has good ball-handling, is a good athlete and has tremendous length with his great wingspan. This helps him to be a superb on-the-ball defender where he can put pressure on his opponents full court. Schröder has also developed quite a solid jump shot over the last two years, which was one of his main weaknesses before. He struggles still to finish close to the rim against physically stronger or taller players that come in help situations. His first step though gives him the possibility to blow by his defender, and he has also improved his court-vision to find the open man on help situations or in the pick-and-roll.

What did he add to his team in Europe? What do you think he’ll bring to an NBA team?

In a team mainly built around veterans, Dennis Schröder gave them some funkiness with his great speed and creativity in the open court. As he had developed a good three-point shot, he became one of the major scoring threats of his team that, however, played a poor season by its standards of the last years. Schröder will give the team that drafts him a boost in speed in fast-break situations but also a some scoring potential from behind the arc. On the other hand, I think that his impact on the NBA level will be limited in the beginning as he is still very young and has never played on the European top level so far.

What kind of style is he best suited for?

Clearly a fast-break team where he can push the ball up court and has wings that run well the lanes. He finds his teammates really well and likes to go for the spectacular plays. Schröder will most likely struggle in the beginning against well-organized set defenses so he needs a team with good defensive rebounders that give him the possibility to start early offenses.

What sets him apart from other draft prospects at his position?

Quick and athletic point guards are quite rare in Europe, so that he sets himself apart first of all by his different background than most of the PGs in the NBA Draft 2013. Schröder has a high will to be successful on the next level. Additionally, his very long arms make him an interesting long term potential especially on the defensive end.

What NBA player would you compare him to?

Some people compare him Rajon Rondo because of his size and wingspan but I think that this is not a good comparison. Schröder has a better three-point shot than Rondo but is a less skilled passer and rebounder. I see Tony Parker as a better comparison in terms of playing style and potential for the future.

What’s your favorite memory of him in Europe?

The first quarter of the German U19 League Top 4 semi-final in 2011 where Dennis Schröder dominated the game at will together with his back-then teammates Daniel Theis and Bazou Kante running spectacular plays and throwing around alley-oop passes at will.

Here’s what some of the national mock drafts are saying about Schroeder:

SI.com Analysis:  Schroeder, says an Eastern Conference scout, “is a miniature Rondo.” At 19, he has natural point-guard instincts, excellent speed and an improving jump shot. Several teams in the 20s would love for Schroeder to fall. Hawks point guard Jeff Teague is a restricted free agent, and though he is likely to return, Schroeder has the potential to be a big-time starter in the future.

ESPN.com Analysis:  The rumors flying around Chicago were that Schroeder had a promise from a team.

NBA.com Analysis:  A breakout performance for the international team playing against the top U.S. college-bound stars at the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland in April moved the jet-like point guard from the second round to legitimate, even likely, lottery possibility.

Photo courtesy of NBADraftTiers.com

As we get approach the 2013 NBA Draft, we are reaching out to local experts to help us scout some of the players the Hawks may take in the first round.  We had Paulo Freire from LatinBasket.com help us scout Brazil forward/center Lucas Nogueira:

Lucas Nogueira start his basketball career at a small club from Rio de Janeiro call Central, located at Niteroi City. Since day one, he always got an special attention because of his size, been the tallest kid around the young basics leagues in Brazil.

It didn’t take much time for the CBB (Brazilian Basketball Confederation) coaches to call him up for the National Team’s under age categories, so Lucas very young had the opportunity to get a lot of international experience, and he did a good job took advantage of the opportunities and improve his game. It was on the U18 FIBA Americas Championship in San Antonio that Lucas got into the radar of many scouts, as he played very solid and start to get more international attention.

The Hawks fans could expect of Lucas Nogueira, a young man with a spirit of kid in his smile and happiness on the court. A very potential player that still needs to improved physically but has the talent to be a top defender player in NBA. With his 7’5″ wingspan, Lucas is a truly mobile 7-footer, with a lot of energy to run the floor in transition. Lucas is already an incredibly shot-blocker with a perfect timing. His long arms helps him to be a pretty good rebounder as well.

On the other hand, Lucas still need to improve offensively, work in his mid range jump-shot will be a demand, and the ball-handling skills will be a challenge. Either way, Lucas is a hard worker, in the last year he has been notable not like an prospect anymore but as a reality. Brazil national team, once again help him a lot, as he was invited to practice with Nene, Anderson Varejão, Tiago Splitter and also Fab Melo from the Celtics in the university national team.

One thing is for sure, the NBA fans can expect a lot of dunks and shot blocks from him.

Here’s what some of the national mock drafts are saying about Nogueira:

FOXSports.com Analysis:  ”Bebe” gives the Hawks the opportunity to bring him in right away or allow him to develop for another season in Spain. Nogueira is extremely raw, but players with his size and agility are rare. He had a breakout performance at the Copa America U18 tournament in 2010 and some NBA scouts came away saying he had top-five pick potential. He lost most of that hype with a dreadful showing at the 2011 adidas Eurocamp in Treviso, but has had a huge bounce-back season playing in Spain for Estudiantes.

ESPN.com Analysis:  The Brazilian had a coming-out party a few years ago at the under-18 Americas Tournament, then fell off the map for a few years. Lately, he’s putting up solid numbers in Spain and a number of international scouts have him ranked higher than Gobert. He’s rail thin, but he has a great motor and can block shots.

NBA.com Analysis:  The NBA has been waiting for years for the athletic 7-footer to add toughness. That it hasn’t happened is a bad sign. That teams able to spend an investment pick are still very interested is a good sign.

Photo courtesy of fiba.com

As we approach the 2013 NBA Draft, we are reaching out to local experts to help us scout some of the players the Hawks may take in the first round.  We had Jim Kelley from DukeReport.com help us scout Duke center Mason Plumlee.

What are his strengths? Weaknesses?

Mason Plumlee is nothing if not a great athlete. He runs the floor in transition and attacks the rim with tenacity. He is best known for finishing lobs on fast breaks and his now-famous rendition of the “Sky Hook.” He spent four years at Duke and improved noticeably every year, showing that he takes well to instruction and is constantly looking for ways to improve his game for the better of the team. His last year at Duke was the culmination of his development as he finally played like the top-10 prospect he was coming out of high school.

As far as weaknesses go, he lacks a consistent mid-range game and is very limited in the post. The jump hook was a move he added as a senior and his other moves, most notably a drop-step move out of a face-up in the post, are used sparingly if at all. He improved as a rebounder every year, but given his size and considerable athleticism he could stand to improve a bit more in that regard. His free throw shooting improved from abysmal to manageable as a senior, but there is plenty of room to grow there.

What did he add to his college team? What do you think he’ll bring to the NBA?

Plumlee’s greatest asset is his ability to run the floor and be a big target for guards in transition. He loves the easy dunks that come with transition play and he held a considerable athletic advantage over most of his contemporaries. He was an option in the pick-and-roll and with some more coaching could become a deadly roll man at the NBA level.

In the NBA I see him being an ideal second-unit center with the ceiling to become a starter. He can protect the paint well and when his energy is devoted to one responsibility (example: rebounder, defender, option on pick and rolls) his potential to contribute immediately at the NBA level.

What kind of style is he best suited for?

Plumlee would fit in beautifully in an up-and-down style that would take advantage of his ability to run from rim-to-rim. He runs his lanes very well and would basically be a play thing to any point guard with the ability to throw him lobs at the rim. He is already a serviceable option diving to the rim off the pick and roll and, with some coaching, could be a solid half-court option in the future. But the reason Duke fans loved Plumlee was the rim-rocking jams on the break and in time, NBA fans will too.

What sets him apart from other draft prospects at his position?

Where Plumlee is so different from his fellow power forward/center prospects is that he has grown into his game over the past four years as opposed to coming into college as a finished product, adding something, and taking the first ride out of town. Instead, Plumlee worked on his weaknesses and as a result is now as close to a finished product as you will find in the draft. He has proven his is willing to work and that has to be an attractive trait for an NBA staff.

What NBA player would you compare him too?

Nick Collison. Much like Collison, Plumlee was a four-year player at one of the best college basketball programs in the country. Both players improved every year, and both players will likely has entered the league as first-round picks. Collison’s career per-36-minute averages of 10.8 points and 9.3 rebounds since entering the league in 2004-05 look awfully similar to what Plumlee could produce. Collison has added a decent mid-range game, shooting 41-for-89 (46 percent) from between eight and 20 feet, per NBA.com/Stats. Plumlee, with some work, could do about that for a team in the NBA.

What’s your favorite memory of him at Duke?

My favorite memory of Plumlee’s time at Duke was this past season against Georgia Tech when he put a few nice post moves together to thrown down a mean dunk in the lane. The ensuing timeout began with Mike Krzyzewski jumping on him for a hug because of how fired up he was. Mason Plumlee gave Duke fans a lot of fun dunks but that will be the one that will always endure for me when I think of his time at Duke.

Here’s what some of the national mock drafts are saying about Plumlee:

YahooSports.com Analysis:  Few teams will enjoy the type of flexibility the Atlanta Hawks will this summer. The team will have only two non-rookie contracts (Al Horford and Lou Williams) guaranteed on the books for next season. With their two top-20 picks and a pair of second-rounders, Danny Ferry and his staff can afford to sit back and see what falls to them out of the lottery

SI.com Analysis:  If Josh Smith departs as a free agent, the Hawks could move Al Horford to power forward — his more natural position — and search for a more traditional center. They will go hard after Dwight Howard this summer, but Plumlee, an athletic 7-footer who has developed a solid low-post game, is someone Atlanta can develop.

FOXSports.com Analysis:  Plumlee was one of the surprises in college this year, but may slip to the teens due to his case of “senior-itis.” Similar to last year with Tyler Zeller, younger prospects with more perceived upside may ultimately push the senior into the second half of the first round. He added some offensive skills around the basket and played the year with surprising consistency. He is a better version of his brother Miles, who somehow landed in the late first round in 2012.

SportingNews.com Analysis:  This might be a little low for the very athletic Plumlee, who tested well in Chicago and will be under consideration in the late lottery.

ESPN.com Analysis:  Plumlee reminded everyone this week why he once was a highly regarded potential lottery pick. His elite athletic ability combined with a 7-foot frame make him a unique prospect at this point in the draft. At 23, he’s a little older than everyone else, but I think a team that wants to fly up and down the floor like the Hawks would love having him on the floor.

NBA.com Analysis:  The combination of a developing offensive game and already-there elite athleticism for a big man has turned the brother of Pacers rookie Miles Plumlee into a very solid choice.

Photo courtesy of news92fm.com

As we get approach the 2013 NBA Draft, we are reaching out to local experts to help us scout some of the players the Hawks may take in the first round.  We had Charlie Springer from UofLCardGame help us scout Louisville center Gorgui Dieng.

What are his strengths? Weaknesses?

Strengths — Gorgui’s strongest asset, aside from his obvious physical assets, is a consistent commitment to personal improvement, applicable to everything he does. In his first press conference as a freshman, he related that his father had always told him that anything that comes too easy is not a good thing. He arrived at the University of Louisville three years ago lean and green, having played soccer most of his life and only a year of so of high school basketball, standing 6’10″ weighing between 165 and 175 pounds. He put on about 50 pounds, almost all of it muscle, while he was here.

Because of his length, he has always been a good shot blocker. But he has developed a wide range of shots along the way, including zone-breaking jumpers from outside the key, a natural hook and occasional three-pointers. He also gets up and down the court quickly, finds open shooters, and is an effective defender, surprisingly making one or two steals per game. Toward the end he was becoming a floor general, helping out his point guard. If there’s something he needs to improve, he will work on it and get better. Count on it.

Weaknesses — Not many. Occasionally he seemed to be in awe of his surroundings on a major stage. Also, because he was so thin physically when he arrived, Gorgui would occasionally revert back, seemingly almost subconsciously. He’s a people person, not an intimidator, and that could be construed as a weakness by some.

What did he add to his team in college? What will he bring to an NBA team?

Gorgui is a genuinely humble individual, a very likeable person, very popular with his teammates and fans because of his upbringing and his personal outlook on things. He’s one of those people who brings out the best in others, inspiring cohesion and team qualities that occur naturally because of his sincerity and leadership qualities.

What kind of style is he best suited for?

Louisville fared well against slowdown styles as well as teams that like to run, so I believe he is prepared for either extreme.

What sets him apart from draft prospects at his position?

His consistent work ethic is the difference, eager to learn new things to improve himself and his team. One senses a desire for continuing learning and improvement from Gorgui that is rarely evident from typical players, perhaps due to his modest upbringing in Senegal.

Favorite memory of him at Louisville?

In the regional NCAA final against Duke, he was still unveiling offensive moves that we had never seen him make, active without the ball, making pick-and-roll shots and mid-range jumpers while outplaying NBA prospect Mason Plumlee. Gorgui had 14 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks and two steals in that game.

Here’s what some of the national mock drafts are saying about Dieng:

BleacherReport.com Analysis:  Atlanta will likely be in the throes of a major overhaul this offseason. But regardless of who stays and who goes, the Hawks still need to find a suitable center to lock down the paint at the defensive end.  Gorgui Dieng is a lengthy shot-blocker who also has some polish at the offensive end. There are big men still available with more upside, but Atlanta needs someone who can play an immediate role in its rebuild.

ESPN.com Analysis: Dieng also was in a walking boot for the entire combine process and wasn’t able to really help himself. A veteran team would love to have him, however. He’s not only a good rebounder and shot blocker, but he also is an excellent passer out of the high post.

NBA.com Analysis:  The run of backup centers begins. Dieng’s size and mobility translate into a future as a shot blocker, with signs of a respectable offense. Being 23 years old is a drawback, giving him fewer years to develop and play.

Photo courtesy of Zimbio.com

As we get approach the 2013 NBA Draft, we are reaching out to local experts to help us scout some of the players the Hawks may take in the first round.  We had Mr. Sanchez from Dawgsports.com help us scout Georgia guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.

What are his strengths? Weaknesses?

I’ll start with his weaknesses. He’s physically weak. Not badly, and he should improve as he matures and continues to work. But initially, veteran NBA players should be able to bully him some. His ball handling could use some work as well.

He has plenty of strengths though. He’s typical size for an NBA SG and has the athleticism to play the position well. He’s quick and an explosive leaper, which shows on several come-from-behind blocks he made this past season on opponents’ fast breaks. He’s a good rebounder for a SG. He’s a good passer, and has an excellent shot, both catch-and-shoot and off the dribble. He was the focus point of Georgia’s offense, but when he was having a bad night or opponents focused hard on him, he would get others involved to help produce in ways besides scoring. He also looked to put in a lot of work improving his game between his freshman and sophomore seasons, so that bodes well for his NBA future as someone who will be coachable and work hard.

What did he add to his team in college? What do you think he’ll bring to an NBA team?

He added everything to his college team. He was the leading rebounder, scorer, top wing defender, facilitator on offense a lot of times. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help win, which was good because he didn’t have much help from his teammates.

What he’ll bring to the NBA depends on who lands him. He isn’t going to be an instant star or anything like that. But he should be able to step in as a starter or sixth man. If he has perimeter stars around him, he can be an excellent complimentary player to a dominant PG or strong SF. He can fill a role well, and knocking down open shots, moving the ball around, and working hard defensively. He’d be an excellent fit on a lot of teams, although unfortunately it seems the hometown Hawks would be among those who need him least with John Jenkins and Lou Williams on the roster.

What kind of style is he best suited for?

He could work in several styles. He has experience going it alone, so he could quickly mesh well with a team that runs a lot of iso offensively. He’s a good passer, and moves well without the ball, so he’d be just fine for a team that runs a lot of half court sets. He is a good athlete, so he’d work well in an up-tempo, pressing style. He is a solid all around player that could adjust his game to best suit whatever system his team uses.

What sets him apart from other draft prospects at his position?

None of the other SGs in the draft have had his level of responsibility. Guys like Oladipo, McLemore, Hardaway Jr, and others were on loaded teams. They had several NBA caliber teammates to help lighten their loads. They had big time guards and strong post players fighting for the opponent’s attention and game planning. Caldwell-Pope was it for Georgia. Opponents focused on him, and him alone, and he still found ways to succeed. He had no other NBA caliber teammates this past season, and had opponents trying everything possible to slow him down, and posted excellent numbers anyway.

What NBA player would you compare him to?

Some Georgia fans compared him to long-time NBA veteran Shandon Anderson, and that one can work pretty well. A player who can be solid in a lot of areas, and plays a significant role for a lot of years but never excels or stars. His upside may be a little thinner version of James Harden.

What’s your favorite memory of him at Georgia?

Do I have to pick just one?

The come-from-behind blocks were huge jaw-dropping plays. He had those big dunks late in the game to put away the win over Kentucky this year. And he had a shootout with Jordan McRae of Tennessee in the game before where it seemed like they were just trading long range threes all night. Those two games stand out the most this past year.

Here’s what some of the national mock drafts are saying about Caldwell-Pope:

YahooSports.com Analysis: The Hawks clearly have a need at shooting guard, as Lou Williams still came off the bench even when he was healthy. Caldwell-Pope, the SEC player of the year, averaged 18.5 points and should be a very good 3-point shooter in the NBA. And I’m guessing that unlike Dwight Howard, he wouldn’t mind playing in Atlanta after starring at UGA. He’s also a solid defensive player, and really looks like a perfect fit for the Hawks.

ESPN.com Analysis: Right now, Caldwell-Pope is one of the fastest risers on NBA draft boards. He is a terrific shooter and a very good athlete.

NBA.com Analysis: Offensive threat who has spent two seasons in a system that creates a lot of shooting opportunities. To put it another way: he took nearly 43 percent of Georgia’s threes in 2012-13.

Photo by NBADraftroom2.blogspot.com

As we approach the 2013 NBA Draft, we are reaching out to local experts to help us scout some of the players the Hawks may take in the first round.  We had Jeremy Mauss from the Mountain West Connection help us scout San Diego State guard Jamaal Franklin.

What are his strengths? Weaknesses?

Franklin’s biggest strength is his athleticism, strength and that he is very versatile. Standing right around 6’5″, he played a combo forward including playing the power forward position. His wing span, which is a shade under seven feet and being physical, allowed him to play the power forward position in college and do it well. Being physical and having to matchup against larger opponents will definitely help him in the league as he will be a shooting guard. He also has a great knack for getting to the basket which can help in driving with the ball, getting open for easy buckets and sneaking past others to get a rebound.

His athleticism is a strength and weakness, because sometimes Franklin just plays too fast and can get out of control when pushing the ball on fast break. He also needs to be more consistent on his outside shooting. His three-point shooting hovered just above 30 percent from the closer college line, and he shot in the low 40 percent range overall.

What did he add to his team in college? What do you think he’ll bring to an NBA team?

He played three positions which allowed the Aztecs the best possible lineup, and also created mismatches against other teams. Being able to grab nearly 10 rebounds per game for a guy of his size helped the team get so many chances. Plus, his defense is underrated and something he has worked on. This past year he averaged just under a block per game and almost two steals. Franklin was a leader of the team and always wanted to be the guy to have the ball with the game on the line.

Being a guard that can rebound as well as Franklin can is a huge plus, and he is not afraid to attack the basket or mix it up down low. He is athletic enough to come into the NBA right away and handle the defensive duties of matching up against most shooting guards. That is because he had to play against bigger players during his three years at San Diego State, plus his seven-foot wing span will allow him to get a hand on the ball or in the opponent’s face. Franklin can find ways to score and does not necessarily need to have the ball in his hands to score, and that is where his slashing capabilities to the basket will help out to get the ball near the hoop.

What kind of style is he best suited for?

With his type of athleticism, Franklin is suited well to an up-tempo type of offense, or a motion oriented offense to allow him to play off the ball to get open in creative ways.

What sets him apart from other draft prospects at his position?

He can rebound extremely well since he played out of position at San Diego State, so he had to hit the boards when he was assigned to one of the forward positions. Once again, that near seven-foot wingspan is a big deal when matching up on defense, as well as help defense, too. Most guards in the draft have not had to play as physical as Franklin did in college. On either side of the ball, Franklin had to work hard to get shots off and conversely match up with forwards who tried to post him and try to take advantage of the size difference.

What NBA player would you compare him to?

Shawn Marion comes to mind as the two are very athletic, and Marion is a very good rebounder for his size.

What’s your favorite memory of him at San Diego State?

This is somewhat out of the blue, but I would say it would be in their NCAA tournament game against Oklahoma when he attempted what was looking to be a sweet reverse dunk. The attempt actually turned into a layup as they ball bounced around a few times before falling in.

Here’s what some of the national mock drafts are saying about Antetokounmpo:

ESPN.com Analysis:  Atlanta is somewhat set in the backcourt, but I think Franklin, who also can play some small forward, might be worth the gamble. His infectious energy and athletic ability should give the team a real shot in the arm.

NBA.com Analysis:  The Mountain West Conference Player of the Year will have to show he can handle the transition from college forward to primarily a shooting guard in the pros.

YahooSports.com Analysis:  Franklin is a freakish athlete and led his team in scoring, rebounds, assists and steals. And he can even play defense and created more shots for himself last season. If he lands in the right situation I see him as a sleeper pick for Rookie of the Year.

Photo courtesy of Sports Illustrated

As we get approach the 2013 NBA Draft, we are reaching out to local experts to help us scout some of the players the Hawks may take in the first round.  We had Christophe Ney from EuropeanProspects.com help us scout Croatia forward Dario Saric.

What are his strengths? Weaknesses?

Dario Saric is kind of a unique combination of size and skills in Europe. He has excellent ball handling and an improving shot that makes him virtually capable of playing any position on offense. He can drive to the basket, find his teammates, score from outside but also post up smaller defenders. His athletic abilities are improving even if he remains a below-average jump shooter. His game understanding is good, and he has already earned a lot of international experience. On the downside, it is a bit difficult to see what position he would play in the NBA. My best guess would be a Power Forward who operates mainly from outside in the first years as he needs to become a lot stronger physically to be able to impose himself in the low post.

What did he add to his team in Europe? What do you think he’ll bring to an NBA team?

In every team he played on the Youth level, he was the clear leader on the court. Very vocal and communicative, Saric organized the offense of his teams and took the ball for the decisive moments. This was of course a more difficult step to realize on the professional stage, but being still very young, he has some time to establish himself as a leader too. For an NBA team, this would be even more difficult because of the language barrier and his relative inexperience compared to the rest of his potential future teammates. What he will bring in any case is great size and basketball skills that would need, however, some time to translate to the NBA because of his physical limitations.

What kind of style is he best suited for?

In my opinion, Dario Saric fits the best into a slow-paced, organized offense where he can handle the ball a lot. Over the last years, he was not used to playing a lot off the ball, so he might have some problems if the offense is not based on him.

What sets him apart from other draft prospects at his position?

If you consider him a PF, Saric is certainly the best ball handler for this position in the draft. No other forward with his size handled the ball that much and was playing in a sort of Point-Forward role. It is not that Saric is overly creative, but he is playing his best basketball when he can make plays as a ball-dominant player.

What NBA player would you compare him to?

To find a comparison for Dario Saric is a bit difficult because of his unique profile. I would say that Detlef Schrempf was a similar player to Saric by his versatility, size and overall skill set, but Saric is less athletic.

What’s your favorite memory of him in Europe?

I really liked his team when they played the Nike International Junior Tournament in Barcelona 2011. Together with Mario Hezonja, Saric was totally dominating the competition and looked unstoppable. But he is a fun player to watch in every game situation because of his undeniable talent but also the unpredictability of his next move.

Here’s what some of the national mock drafts are saying about Antetokounmpo:

SportingNews.com Analysis:  Saric has enough skill to play on the perimeter, and at 6-10, he has the size to play power forward. He might not come to the NBA right away, but he figures to be a long-term project.

MyNBADraft.com Analysis:  Click here for YouTube Highlights

ESPN.com Analysis:  … A player with big upside….

NBA.com Analysis:  An apparent change of heart after initially saying he would stay in Europe puts the Toni Kukoc-like small forward with a great feel for the game right back into lottery contention.

Photo courtesy of Yahoo Sports