2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds

15. Atlanta Hawks – Rodney Hood, SF, Duke

H: 6′ 8″ W: 208 lbs DOB: 10/20/1992

2013-14 NCAA (35 GP) 16.1 PPG 3.9 RPG 2.1 APG 20.4 PER

If Rodney Hood was a couple of years younger he might be going mid-lotto, but since he’ll be 22 years old when the season starts, he’s the perfect guy for Mike Budenholzer and the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks could use an influx of talent on the perimeter, and Hood’s a top-five wing talent in this draft. In his lone season at Duke (he transferred after his freshman year at Mississippi State), Hood averaged 16.1 points per game, shooting .420 from three and .807 from the free-throw line.

While the stats tell you he’s efficient, they don’t quite show how explosively athletic the 6’8 wing guards is, or how he has the tools to become a fantastic perimeter defender. As good in a half court offense as he is when playing at a faster tempo, Hood’s skill set is better suited for the NBA, and if given the minutes, I expect him to have a better season than your favorite player who’s name rhymes with Fangrew Mittens. — Jared