2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land difference-maker, Victor Wembanyama heads East

15. Atlanta Hawks choose Nick Smith Jr.

Smith Jr. was the number three player in this class coming out of high school, but an injury-riddled lone season at the University of Arkansas has his draft stock a bit in question. He averaged 12.5 points, 1.6 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 0.8 steals in 25.8 minutes per game over just 17 contests where Smith Jr. shot just 37.6 percent from the field and 33.8 percent on his threes.

The 6’5 guard was a score-first guard in college after showing some flashes as a point guard on the high school circuit. How much playmaking upside is there for Smith Jr.? Can he create shots for others or does he become more of a sixth-man scorer in the NBA? The sample size is just too small to know, and the 19-year-old has plenty of time to develop.

Smith Jr. plays hard on defense, but he struggled last season. There was no time to build chemistry with his teammates, which could be a factor. The teenager certainly needs to add some mass if he wants to become a switchable option at the next level.

The Atlanta Hawks are another franchise facing an important offseason, and it feels like they could go in any direction with this selection. Nick Smith Jr. has a significant upside with a floor as a sixth-man scorer in his prime.