Charlotte Hornets first and second round draft picks Miles Bridges, left, and Devonte' Graham, ... [+]
The Hornets are approaching the NBA Draft with a lot of uncertainties. Between movement of picks and the unpredictability of the looming free agency period, there's a lot to consider on Thursday. Here's a look at some of the most pressing questions for the Hornets and how they might be addressed.
1. Will the Hornets move their 12th selection?
On June 14, general manager, Mitch Kupchak commented to the media about the movement of Charlotte's 12th pick. When asked about trade activity, the general manager stated, "We're talking to a lot of teams. We'd like to move up." It's interesting to hear how overt he is when speaking on their draft-day plans.
If the Hornets are moving up, it makes you wonder who they are targeting. It's implausible to think that they can obtain a top-three pick, but moving up several spots isn't out of the question. In this range, the likelihood that a prospect like Coby White, Cam Reddish, or De'Andre Hunter becoming available is much higher. These types of players add a quality that wouldn't be available with where Charlotte is currently choosing.
Having said all this, would it be worth the price to move up four or five spots? It's well-documented that the Hornets lack moveable assets, and the ones they do have are considered near-untouchable. Based on previous transactions, it would require multiple picks to move up from the 12th selection. In his pre-draft availability, Kupchak fully recognized the expense to climb up the draft boards.
If the Hornets do trade their 12th pick, it doesn't look likely that they will be doing so to move backwards. While there seems to be value in doing so, Kupchak doesn't anticipate that being the route they take.
The Hornets also have two second-round selections with pick 36 and 52. If desired, these give the Hornets the flexibility to create a package to move up. Although, with the way Charlotte's payroll stands, it might be best to keep both — filling the roster with cheap-salaries. While picks towards the back-half of the second round are crapshoots, you can get a solid rotational player with pick number 36.
2. Do the Hornets take a swing on a prospect or go the safe route?
There are various ideologies when evaluating and drafting college players. My co-hosts and I debated this exact topic on a recent episode of Buzz Beat. Some look at upside and star potential a player possesses, while others stick with known commodities. On many occasions, college prospects don't fully show what they are capable of and it leaves a lot for the imagination. Whether they aren't integrated into the offense, their skills don't mesh with their teammates, or they are sitting behind more experienced players, young players often don't showcase their set of skills.
The crop of prospects — especially at the Hornets' selection — will present the front office with this dilemma. If they take a swing on a player with upside, they might look into Bol Bol or Kevin Porter Jr.
Sudanese Bol Bol played in just 9 games for the Oregon Ducks before going down with a foot injury. His physical tools, fluidity for a big, and ability to pass and shoot are intriguing. In today's NBA, where general managers are looking for the next "unicorn", Bol Bol presents a compelling case. In his small sample, he shot the ball at a high clip from behind the arc at 52%. Some team is going to take a chance with Bol, but questions about his strength, technique, motor, and awareness will still need to be answered.
Southern Cal's Porter Jr. is another prospect that has a high ceiling. He fits the bill as your typical, shot-creating wing that has the potential to reach All-Star status. With the ball in his hands, he can get by his defender with his quickness while also finishing through contact with his frame. He's also got a step-back that is NBA-ready that he's very comfortable using. He, like Bol, would be a gamble as there are questions about his maturity, his ability to play off-ball, and motor.
If the Hornets refuse to roll the dice, they will have the opportunity to draft a player like Brandon Clarke, PJ Washington, or Grant Williams. All three project to be solid pros, but the ceiling isn't at the level of Bol or Porter Jr's.
Charlotte's goal is to escape mediocrity. Does it make more sense for Kupchak to take the slow route or do they take a chance on player that could become a perennial star?
3. Will Kemba's status play a role in their selections?
Kemba Walker has publicly stated, on numerous occasions, that Charlotte is his top priority. While the Hornets are in pole position, the situation is fluid. A low offer from Charlotte or an enticing pitch from another organization can alter things.
Charlotte needs to go into Thursday with their mind set on selecting the best player available with every pick. If the difference between one prospect and another is negligible, then that would be the case in which the front office would focus on need. The Hornets can't reach on a point guard just because Walker may be on another team come July.
