2017 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: De’Aaron Fox continues to rise; Knicks find their PG

Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) dribbles against UCLA Bruins guard Lonzo Ball (2) during the first half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
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Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

No. 19 Atlanta Hawks- Bam Adebayo (Kentucky, FR, Center)

I’ve had Bam Adebayo in this spot before, but it makes too much sense to change. Dwight Howard is getting older, Paul Millsap is a free agent and the Hawks need a big man.

There’s no question that Adebayo will be a project, but he has explosiveness and great speed for his size. He has the type of potential that would be too good to pass up at this point in the NBA Draft.

At 6-foot-10 and 260 lbs, Bam’s rebounding numbers could be better (8 RPG), but he has the potential to be a good rim protector. And for a team that might be in the midst of a crossroads, Bam would be a good investment.