New York Knicks: Full 2017 NBA Mock Draft With Upside Comparisons

19. Atlanta Hawks: Isaiah Hartenstein, Zalgiris

Ultimate Upside Comparison: Clifford Robinson
Safe Upside Comparison: Ersan Ilysaova
Position: Power Forward
Age: 19 (5/5/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 7’1.25″, 250 pounds, 7’2.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .490/.276/.698
2016-17 Per 36 Averages: 11.6 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 0.8 ORPG, 0.6 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG

The Atlanta Hawks need to stop making the safe picks and gamble on players who may be able to alter the trajectory of the organization. Depth and skill haven’t been issues in Atlanta, but legitimate stardom has been generally elusive.

As the Hawks prepare to enter the next stage with Dennis Schröder running point, the next pick is coincidentally from the same country: German power forward Isaiah Hartenstein.

Hartenstein has a little Clifford Robinson in him, albeit without the proven ability to facilitate at a high level. Hartenstein is a fearless shooter who has the length and aggressiveness to block shots, as well as athleticism that’s uncommon for his size.

Robinson was ahead of his time, and Hartenstein could be a reflection of what his contributions would look like in the modern era.

A less ambitious comparison for Hartenstein is a player who has quietly facilitated the stretch big movement: Ersan Ilyasova. Like Ilyasova, Hartenstein can work without the ball, crash the offensive boards, and light up the scoreboard from distance, which would help Mike Budenholzer space the floor.

Another upside comparison is one whom New York Knicks fans are familiar with: Kristaps Porzingis. Ambitious, but within the realm of possibility.