2021 NBA Draft: Mock 2.0, star power, trades, big risers

Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Knicks, NBA Draft.(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Evan Mobley, Jalen Suggs, Knicks, NBA Draft.(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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NBA Draft
Cameron Thomas, NBA Draft. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

2021 NBA Draft Mock 2.0: Atlanta Hawks add more scoring with Cameron Thomas

The Atlanta Hawks have a deep roster and are looking to roll with what they have while subtly adding nice complementary pieces.

Legendary microwave bench scorer Lou Williams is a free agent, and while he might take a hometown discount, it shouldn’t really matter because Cameron Thomas out of LSU will be an excellent addition for years to come.

NBA Draft – Cameron Thomas NBA player comparisons

  • Lou Williams
  • Eric Gordon
  • Bigger Aaron Brooks

You usually don’t have to read too much into college traditional box scores to analyze prospects, but it’s hard to ignore the 23 points per game he averaged as a 19-year-old.

When you think of Cameron Thomas, you think of buckets.

Thomas will beat you at the rim, in the mid-range, or 30 feet from the basket. Don’t be discouraged by the lower-than-expected 3-point percentage. An 88% free throw shooter who can knock down difficult jump shots, Cameron Thomas is going to be a sniper at the next level.

With Cameron Thomas, his scoring is going to be talked about as a blessing and a curse. The reason being that his game is very much a throwback, isolation-heavy, ball-stopping style of scoring.

Remember that this 2021, and if you’re not a 6’11 primary playmaking hub, 3-level-scorer, swiss army knife on defense, you’re a limited player.

In reality, there is some truth to Cameron Thomas being limited heading in the league. He’s a guard, but he’s really not a great passer.

He has work to do as a defender but he’s got very solid size at 6’4 with a nice frame. Who’s to say he can’t continue to grow into a better all-around player as he gets more comfortable in NBA offenses? He could immediately carve out a role as a spot-up shooter if he grows off-ball.

The Hawks already have a foundation with Trae Young in place, and Cameron Thomas gives them someone who can not only be an immediate boost of offense off the bench but someone who could turn into a terrific sidekick for Ice-Trae in the long run.