Reed Sheppard vs. Rob Dillingham: Who's the better fit for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA Draft?
The Atlanta Hawks won the top overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft despite having the tenth-best odds of landing in the slot during last month's draft lottery. While Atlanta is rumored to be open to moving the pick for an established player, there has been no movement on that front, with the draft just over a week away.
The franchise will have the opportunity to choose any player available, assuming they will hold on to the pick.
While they have the backcourt tandem of Trae Young and Dejounte Murray in place, both players have found their name in trade rumors since Atlanta's season ended. Moving on from either would open the door for the Hawks to bring in a star collegiate guard such as Reed Sheppard or Rob Dillingham.
Take a look at which player is a better fit for Atlanta below.
Who is a better fit for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2024 NBA draft?
Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 steals and 0.7 blocks while shooting 53.6% from the field, 52.1% from three-point range and 83.1% from the free-throw line in 28.9 minutes per game last season. The four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class spent his lone collegiate season with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Sheppard is viewed as one of the players with the highest ceiling and floor in this year's draft. He showed the ability to play both on and off the ball in his lone season at Kentucky. While there are questions as to how his size will hold up at the next level — particularly on the defensive end — he was solid on both sides in college.
Furthermore, Sheppard has the ability to create his own shot and faciliate for others. His shot-making ability should ensure that he has a lengthy NBA career.
Rob Dillingham
Rob Dillingham averaged 15.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.0 spg and 0.1 bpg while shooting 47.5% from the field, 44.4% from three-point range and 79.6% from the free-throw line in just 23.3 mpg. The four-star prospect in the 2023 recruiting class also spent his lone collegiate season with the Kentucky Wildcats.
Similar to his former college teammate, Dillingham has shown an ability to play on and off the ball. While there are questions about his size, he has displayed an ability to shoot at a high level, which is a valuable asset at the next level.
The Atlanta Hawks' interest in either will likely be determined by whether or not they move Trae Young or Dejounte Murray. Assuming one of their All-Star guards is moved, Sheppard would likely be a better fit as he displayed more in his lone collegiate season.