2021 NBA Mock Draft — 20. Cameron Thomas, Atlanta Hawks
The Hawks are the deepest team in the NBA, with arguably the deepest young core. That makes it a perfect situation for Cameron Thomas, who is among the most gifted pure scorers in the draft. He would get to learn from both the Trae Young and Lou Williams schools of guard play, and not have too much forced on his plate at a young age.
There’s no doubt Thomas can contribute in year one, and do so with success. That said, he’s not the best decision-maker. He can fall into bad habits as a scorer, whether it be tough contested jumpers or simple ignorance as a passer. The Hawks are deep and team-oriented, meaning Thomas can play a defined role on a short leash. That’s probably best for his development.
In the end, Thomas is a better prospect than 20 would suggest and he’s a nice bridge to the future as Lou Williams, Danilo Gallinari, and the Hawks’ second-unit scorers get older. He would join a talented young team on the verge of big things.