No. 10 — Atlanta Hawks (via Dallas Mavericks): Brandon Clarke, F/C
School: Gonzaga | Class: Junior | Height: 6’8” | Weight: 215 | Age: 22
I disputed between Brandon Clarke and Jontay Porter on this pick and ended up with Clarke. While Jontay is the better prospect to me, Clarke’s defensive dominance fits more of what Atlanta needs. Brandon Clarke has emerged as Gonzaga’s best player, best prospect and one of the nation’s best players. His numbers are off of the charts and his impact is undeniable.
Clarke’s elite athleticism, defensive ability and touch around the rim make him an ideal small-ball modern big. His elite touch gives me the inclination that he will eventually shoot threes at a decent clip, a mark that could take his game to elite levels.
Clarke would help compensate for John Collins’ woeful defense, providing the rim protection and help defense that Collins cannot. Stacking Hunter and Clarke would undoubtedly be a massive success for Atlanta, setting them up for future success nicely. — Ben Pfeifer