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No One is Too Good to be Traded: Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft Preview

Royal Howell

Who will represent the 704 Wednesday night at the 2020 NBA draft?

Hornets General manager & President of basketball operations, Mitch Kupchak has thrown subtle clues about who the franchise will select. Charlotte, which hasn’t had a top-5 draft pick since selecting Cody Zeller in 2013, is looking to revamp its lineup. During a brief zoom call yesterday, Mitch shared his sentiments on the organization’s future and where the franchise stands. Holding no regard for any specific player he stated,

“No one is too good to be traded.”

The Hornets are looking to expand at every position. Are we calling his bluff or does the President of Basketball operations really insist on “wheeling and dealing” Wednesday night?

What we know is, Mitch believes in building through the draft. This is a fact. He also doesn’t believe in going after high sought out super stars (but we know that’s debatable due to the recent rumor that Charlotte may be a landing spot for Russell Westbrook).

Any “educated” Charlotte fan with common sense knows the Hornets have continued to miss on prospects year in and year out – selecting the likes of Adam Morrison, Malachi Richardson, Noah Vonleh, Frank Kaminsky over stars like Rajon Rondo, Brandon Roy, Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell.

Could the Hornets really miss with potential franchise changing stars available for selection? History doesn’t bode well for Charlotte.

Who’s on the Hornets Radar?

Why James Wiseman?

The former Memphis standout has drawn strong comparisons to Chris Bosh and Chris Webber. Wiseman, who has a solid 15-20-foot midrange game, runs the floor and can bang in the paint. Some have scouted his ability to control the weakside defense with his blocking ability. Wiseman would instantly be inserted into the starting lineup if selected by the Hornets to fill a void that’s desperately needed. Hornets ranked 26th in the league in rebounding and 25th in blocked shots. An interior enforcer may be the most pivotal spot for Charlotte.

What does Lamelo Ball offer?

There is a strong consensus that if Ball is available when the Hornets draft, they should without a doubt select him. He’s arguably the best all-around player on the board. The 6 ft 8-point guard with a 7-foot wingspan can do it all. He’ll flourish in an up-tempo style offense and would compliment Devonte Graham running a pick and roll offense with Graham’s ability to knockdown the 3. His size gives him the ability to guard multiple positions. Has a sick handle, with an excellent midrange shot off the crossover. Playing overseas has given the combo guard experience of playing against NBA level talent.

How Anthony Edwards fits in Charlotte?

Anthony Edwards shows flashes of the next Donovan Mitchell (who the Hornets passed on in 2017). Edwards’ crafty handle allows him to get into the lane at will. A smooth jump shot, athletic ability to attack above the rim and willingness to play defense sets him apart from other guards in this year’s draft. With his size, Edwards can post up smaller guards (similar to Dwayne Wade on post mismatches). He also received a visit from the GOAT himself Michael Jordan during a pre-draft workout in Atlanta.

What does Mr. Potential, Onyeka Okongwu, do for the Hornets?

Onyeka fits what’s missing in Charlotte – rim protecting. He’s a defensive minded big, with the physicality to overpower his defender on the glass. Okongwu doesn’t take plays off and plays the pick and roll exceptionally well. For his size, moves his feet well laterally which always puts him in a position to make the play on defense. The potential is there, but is Charlotte willing to wait for an experience run?

What’s next?

As the NBA offseason approaches: