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8P9S NBA Mock Draft 1.0: With the 26th pick, the Indiana Pacers select…

By Ben Gibson

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 16: Zion Williamson #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts during their game against the North Carolina State Wolfpack at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 16, 2019 in Durham, North Carolina. Duke won 94-78. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /
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De'andre Hunter #12 of the University of Virginia Cavaliers
BLACKSBURG, VA – FEBRUARY 18: De’andre Hunter #12 of the University of Virginia Cavaliers looks to dribble past Kerry Blackshear Jr. #24 and Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum on February 18, 2019 in Blacksburg, Virginia. (Photo by Lauren Rakes/Getty Images) /

No. 7 — Atlanta Hawks: De’Andre Hunter, F

School: Virginia| Class: Sophomore | Height: 6’7” | Weight: 225 | Age: 21

One of the least flashy players in this draft, De’Andre Hunter has been the center of some dispute in the draft community. His historically low stocks (steals+blocks) and poor feel are inauspicious indicators.

However, true wings with Hunter’s size and shooting ability are a scarcity and a necessity in the NBA. A fundamentally pristine defender, his ability to check the big wings littered through the NBA’s upper echelon is supremely valuable.

Atlanta is the ideal landing spot for Hunter, where he can focus on defense and off-ball scoring. One year after an excellent draft, the Hawks will look to repeat their success. They have their primary initiator of the future in Trae Young and a fantastic complementary piece in Huerter.

Adding Hunter would be a great start to this draft, where they have another pick in the top 10. — Ben Pfeifer

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