If you’ve followed me on Twitter, you’ll know that I’m a big fan of Ayo Dosunmu’s game. Illinois was one of my favorite teams in College Basketball this past season, and Dosunmu was a big part of their success. It’s just too perfect to me that the Hawks have a need that he fills perfectly, and he should be available around the 20th pick.
The Hawks have gotten solid production out of Brandon Goodwin at times, and Skylar Mays appears to be developing nicely. However, if the Hawks don’t bring back Lou Williams, they will need a bench ball-handler to take some of the pressure off of Trae Young. Dosunmu not only has the potential to develop into a great NBA player, but he’s a lot more “ready” than some other prospects.
Dosunmu is a Junior, so his body and experience should make him more prepared for an NBA brand of basketball. At Illinois last season, Dosunmu posted 20.1 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, 5.3 assists per game, and 1.1 steals per game while shooting 48.8% from the floor and 39% from three-point range. He is a fantastic defender and rebounder for a point guard, rare for a guy who can score efficiently and in bunches at all three levels. He’s as well-rounded of a prospect as you can find, and he fills a need as an upperclassman backup point guard.
I think the team and prospect fit is too perfect, but I trust Travis Schlenk’s judgment. He has nailed every single draft, and I expect him to continue. Regardless, if the Hawks hold onto the 20th pick, I think Dosunmu is the perfect player to add to the Hawks bench and young core.
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