For the first time since 2002, the Atlanta Hawks will go into the NBA draft without a first round pick that could make an immediate impact on the team. Unless the team ships away a player for a first rounder and a trade exemption, the Hawks will go into Newark's Prudential Center on June 23 with just a second round selection in the league's annual version of real-life mini-fantasy basketball.
Basketball fans know how unpredictable the draft can be. The Hawks can conceivably move up and get a first round pick. However, if they stand pat and select at No. 48, picking out the guy they are even interested in at this point is about as easy as trying to find Waldo in that popular children's book series.
There simply is not enough information out there to make an informed decision given all the talent available and those players stashed in places like Europe that most folks have no idea about right now. And I do not pretend to be enough of an "expert" on the college game to make even an educated guess at this point.
Hawks fans will get a better idea of the universe of players their team is looking at when the club starts inviting players to individual workouts at Philips Arena.
Color me not too excited. Atlanta's last two second-round picks were Pape Sy and Sergiy Gladyr. Atlanta's last "impact" second round pick was Solomon Jones. I don't think I can pick Gladyr out of a lineup and no offense to Sy or Jones -- they both may turn into serviceable role players, but is anyone really getting visions of LeBron James or Kobe Bryant here with a late second round pick? Of course not.
Nevertheless, as SB Nation Atlanta gets more information on who the Hawks are looking at, we will bring that to you as soon as we get it and will stay on top off the story until draft day. Also take a look at Peachtree Hoops for further information in the lead up to the big draft (and the NBA lockout eight days later).