Part of Jeff Peterson’s responsibilities as Hawks assistant general manager is to oversee the team’s scouting process. That’s a particularly important role this year as the Hawks own the No. 3 draft pick in addition to Nos. 19, 30 and 34.
I recently sat down with Peterson to get his thoughts on eight top prospects in the 2018 draft: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr., Mo Bamba, Michael Porter Jr., Wendell Carter Jr. and Trae Young. Over the next several days I’ll post some lightly-edited transcripts of those conversations.
Previous entries: Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic, Marvin Bagley III, Jaren Jackson Jr. , Mohamed Bamba, Michael Porter Jr.
Wendell Carter Jr., C/PF, Duke
Height/weight: 6-foot-10, 251 pounds (measured)
Age: 19 (April 16, 1999)
Hometown: Atlanta
ESPN draft projection: No. 6 to the Magic.
(Click here for my February report on Carter from Duke's game against St. John's in New York.)
Q. (Cunningham) Carter is a local kid (Pace Academy) whose game I like but he's not an explosive athlete. He's strong and smart with kind of a below-the-basket game. What do you think about his potential despite his athletic limitations?
A. (Peterson) I think he's one of those guys who may not be as explosive, but he's an efficient athlete. You watch some guys in the league and they get from point A to point B with a few amount of steps, and that's Wendell. He just knows how to use his body. He's done a fantastic job with his body. His strength and conditioning are fantastic. I think he will continue to get better athletically. But I also know that he knows he's never going to be the most explosive, so how can he beat you in other ways. It's through efficiency, it's through his mind, proper footwork.
Q. Is there outside shooting potential there?
A. Absolutely. He showed that can definitely make shots while he was at Duke. Pretty good touch. I think he has the ability to be good in that area, as well.
Q. He had good production as a passer. What kind of play-making potential is there?
A. You go watch him in practice, watch him live and on video, you put him up facing the basket or even on the post — he's a guy who got doubled a lot as well — and he's very unselfish. He knows how to play. He's been coached. He feels the game. He feels when the double team is coming. He feels when a guy may be open. He knows where his teammates are going to be. He's a smart player.
Q. He has a big wingspan (7-foot-4.5). Is he a center?
A. Yeah, I think you've got to play him at the five, just from his size and stuff. But I think he's a guy where there is a potential he can be somewhat of a mismatch for some fives because of his ability to step out and make shots and make plays. He will be comfortable on the perimeter. I think that will help him.
