In the last 20 years, the Atlanta Hawks have finished at .500 or above only eight times. Before the 2017-18 season, the franchise was so close to success then to see it blow away within a summer. Take the two teams fighting in the Finals for example — not many of the players on either side have been there long, but they've made a significant impact.

Why can't the young Hawks be the next team to do that? All it takes is one pick to turn this franchise from good to great.

They may have just finished their second consecutive season winning less than thirty games, but the future remains bright for the franchise. After missing the playoffs for the second straight season, they own the number eight pick in a loaded draft class.

There are talented players in this draft aside from the consensus top-three of Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, and RJ Barrett. But with so many high picks turning out to be busts, it's seen as a gamble now more than ever.

Here are three of this year's prospects the Atlanta Hawks should avoid.

1- Bol Bol, Center, Oregon

In nine games, Bol Bol averaged 21 points and 9.6 rebounds while shooting 56% from the field, 52% from three, and 76% from behind the line. Great numbers that would've given him many players of the year votes had he not gotten a severe stress fracture in his foot.

The durability is what puts him on this list. To play in the Association, you have to take care of your body and joints. Many centers struggle to do this, and it takes a toll on them, often their knees operating as their true rival.

At the NBA Combine, scouts practically drooled over Bol's measurements. The problem? He and Cam Reddish both weighed in at 208 pounds despite the Oregon product being six inches taller.

With the young core of Trae Young, John Collins, and Kevin Heurter poised to make lots of noise next season, it's best to pass on the lanky Bol to help guide them there. While Bol displays an exceptional skillset for a 7-foot-2 big, he would be going to a team that already has a young center.

Moreover, Collins is set up for a bright future in Atlanta. He and Trae Young will look to take their Hawks back to the playoffs in the next few seasons.

2. Nassir Little, Forward, North Carolina

After Williamson, Nassir Little could be the most freakish athlete in this 2019 draft class. During his freshman season, however, the numbers weren't too enticing: 9.8 points, 4.7 rebounds. But then again, that's small sample size; his per 40-minute numbers were 21.5 and 10.1, respectively.

However, the Hawks are looking for shooters and playmakers to compliment the roster in this draft, and Little is neither of the two at the time. There's no saying that he won't improve, but there are better playmakers in this draft who will be available when the Hawks select.

Little and the Hawks would be a more attractive combination if he were able to shoot. At UNC, he struggled immensely from three: 26.9% this season, going 14-52. What Trae Young needs to accompany him in his backcourt his someone who will be able to catch and shoot off screens and be able to run the pick-and-roll when he's matched up with strenuous defenders.

Little does not meet that requirement, but many others do in the pile of names.

3.  Mfiondo Kabengele, Forward, Florida State

A few things do jump out about Kebengele, such as his defense and athleticism for his size (6'10-7'2 wingspan measured at the NBA Combine). What worries me is how his game translates to the NBA.

His skillset does look like a Jarret Allen-type, but another team could use him more than Atlanta would. What the Hawks will need from their bigs is perimeter shooting. John Collins showed improvement during this past season, and he can only get better at it.

I love his game, but Mfiondu Kabengele wouldn't mesh well with the Hawks. He could have used another year in school. He led the Seminoles in scoring this year as the sixth man at 13.2 points per game, but that was also a team with little depth and few scoring options.

While Kabengele shot the ball at a high percentage for his position, 36.9%, I'm not sure if he'd be able to shoot like that in the NBA consistently. He only took 1.6 threes a game, but he may have to attempt more in the NBA, and I'm concerned if he'll maintain the percentage going up against the best in the world.