Atlanta Hawks Is A Popular Landing Spot For Tyler Lydon In NBA Draft
The Atlanta Hawks are working out Tyler Lydon and appear to be a solid landing spot for the former Syracuse star. Where could he go in the NBA Draft?
As we progress closer to the 2017 NBA Draft, the intrigue continues on where former Syracuse great, Tyler Lydon, will land. He’s created quite the paper trail, in terms of NBA workouts thus far:
- Orlando Magic are Taking a Closer Look at Tyler Lydon
- Charlotte Hornets are Thinking of Life With Tyler Lydon
There seems to be no pattern in terms of who he’s working out for and where the teams are picking. Although the latest contender, the Atlanta Hawks, could be the ideal scenario.
The Hawks have two draft choices in next Thursday’s 2017 NBA Draft: the 19th selection and the 31st overall pick. So where could Lydon land if the Hawks interest is legitimate?
Well according to SB Nation’s Atlanta Hawks affiliate (PeachTreeHoops), the Hawks wouldn’t take Lydon with the 19th pick, but it would be a “theoretical marriage” if Lydon was available at beginning of round two.
So could he be available at the bottom of round one and early round two? The most prominent
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mock draft in the business is that of Chad Ford, NBA Insider for ESPN.com. He had this to say about Lydon, in his most recent mock draft:
"30. Utah Jazz (via Warriors)“Lydon is an upside pick for Utah. He’s a terrific shooter and rim protector. He just needs to add strength and consistency.” (via ESPN.com)"
With the last pick in the first round, Lydon comes off the board. If Ford is right the Hawks will be playing with fire, hoping that Lydon will be available. If they don’t watch out he could be snagged.
But lets talk about the potential fit with the Atlanta Hawks.
First off shortly after the NBA Draft, free agency kicks off in the NBA. Who is going to be on the Hawks roster?
- Tim Hardaway JR (RFA)
- Jose Calderon (UFA)
- Kris Humphries (UFA)
- Ersan Ilyasova (UFA)
- Paul Millsap (UFA)
- Mike Muscala (UFA)
- Thabo Sefolosha (UFA)
Lydon is going to be a stretch four that’ll have to beef up at the next level. Could be a tall two or three at the next level as well. His length and ability to score will be coveted on draft day. If some of the unrestricted free agents leave ATL, Lydon could slide in as a depth big man.
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There will be a youth movement for the Hawks and that could fit Lydon nicely. He seems to be a mature young man from all accounts. My biggest question is adding beef to his frame. The NBA Draft is all about potential and Lydon’s decision to leave SU will ultimately be weighed on whether he got that fully guaranteed contract from the NBA. Those are granted to first round picks.
While there have been 12 first round picks in the 21st century from the Syracuse basketball squad. Will Lydon be the lucky 13th? The NBA Draft starts next Thursday night on ESPN.