Jordan Williams' Skillset Makes Him Intriguing Prospect for Atlanta Hawks as Second-round Choice

As an Atlanta Hawks' fan, my hometown team has options in regard to the upcoming NBA Draft. One is to stand pat and do nothing, and I hope this is not the case. However, there are a variety of second-round options.

I believe the Hawks should consider Maryland's Jordan Williams. Williams was only a sophomore when he declared for the draft and had accomplished quite a bit during his brief tenure at Maryland.

Additionally, he may have been influenced by his former coach Gary Williams' sudden retirement. However, whatever the reason was for Jordan Williams leaving, I believe this player should be seriously considered by the Atlanta Hawks and possibly move up in the draft to acquire him.

If the Hawks can't find a way to get into the Top 3 with the chance to draft someone such as a Derrick Williams, then why not try to move up to the end of the first round or the early second round to draft the 'other' Williams?

Maryland's Williams was a double-double machine every time he stepped on the floor. I remember his January 30th performance against Georgia Tech in which he scored 21 points and pulled down 15 rebounds in a 73-64 Maryland win.

For the 2010-11 season, Williams recorded 25 double-doubles for the Terrapins and was an impact player in almost every game he played.

This 6'10" power forward/center has a solid offensive skillset and can play different frontcourt positions. Additionally, he has garnered a reputation of being a hard worker and this is what the Hawks need.

I don't foresee a tentative Hilton Armstrong, an aging, non-productive Etan Thomas or a non-productive Josh Powell being on the bench in the 2011-12 season. So I believe there will be openings for a draftee to make an impression during the preseason and have an opportunity to compete for minutes.

One negative is that Williams had some trouble controlling his weight. He came to Maryland at 6'9", 280+ plus pounds, but it appears he has become more committed to keeping his weight under control and to lower his body fat.

A few years ago, the Hawks had Udonis Haslem in training camp and at Florida, he had the same problem early in his career. However, Haslem went on to bigger and better things with the Miami Heat and got his weight under control and been a rather productive player. Williams' appears to be a team player and receiving tutelage under Gary Williams is a positive, and I believe a team such as Atlanta would be very fortunate if they have the opportunity to draft him.

When a player is trying to transition to the next level, there is always some sort of sacrifice and I believe Williams is one of those players who is willing to do what it takes to maximize his potential.