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By Anne Erickson
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The Atlanta Hawks have added plenty of experience to their roster. That's good. But, their biggest X-factor could end up being one of the youngest players on the team.
That's Kingston Flemings.
Atlanta picked the Houston guard with the No. 8 selection in the first round after watching several backcourt prospects come off the board ahead of them. Instead of forcing a pick based on need, the Hawks landed a player who brings something their roster could use: another guard who can get points on the board.
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Flemings enters the NBA with plenty of confidence and the ability to attack defenders. At just 19 years old, he still has plenty of room to grow, but his skill set gives Atlanta another option when the offense gets stuck.
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That could be important for a team with a lot of different pieces. Nickeil Alexander-Walker gives them a reliable two-way option, CJ McCollum provides veteran scoring and shot creation and Dyson Daniels brings energy and defensive pressure every night.
Flemings adds a different element, though. Head coach Quin Snyder should have the flexibility to move players in and out of different roles while allowing Flemings to develop without putting too much pressure on him right away. That balance could be key for a young player entering a crowded roster.
Atlanta also added Zuby Ejiofor with the No. 23 pick, giving the frontcourt more size and defensive toughness. After spending four seasons in college, Ejiofor could be someone the Hawks can trust for minutes early in his career.
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Henri Veesaar, selected in the second round, gives the team another developmental player, too.
So, the spotlight will be on Flemings. If Flemings adjusts quickly to the NBA game, he could become the kind of young player who changes the outlook of Atlanta's season.
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