The Charlotte Hornets could select an impact player in the 2023 NBA Draft.
At last night’s NBA Draft Lottery, the Hornets moved up in the lottery to secure the second-overall pick, following the San Antonio Spurs.
Draft experts have claimed France’s Victor Wembanya as the consensus top pick, but there are other viable options that could provide an immediate impact for the Hornets.
Why it matters: Since 2014, the Hornets have made the playoffs twice, most recently in 2016. The team lost in the first round each time.
One of two notable options — Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson — could be selected with that pick, according to NBA draft analysts.
A do-it-all forward
Alabama’s Brandon Miller established himself as the top freshman in college basketball last season.
The 6-foot-9 forward averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists.
He won Conference Player of the Year and Conference Freshman of the Year. He also led Alabama to a 31-6 record and an appearance to the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tournament.
Miller’s versatility as a scorer, passer and rebounder make him an immediate impact player in the league.
His length and size offer a high defensive upside.
The Hornets are in desperate need of a consistent wing scorer, and Miller could be the long-term answer.
According to Draft Net, his closest NBA comparison is Paul George.
An explosive guard
Scoot Henderson didn’t go to college, but since playing in the NBA G-League, the league’s player development minor league, he’s been widely considered a top-2 prospect in this year’s draft.
The six-foot-two guard has uber athleticism and the ability to score from nearly anywhere on the court.
Henderson averaged 17.6 points, 6.4 assists, and 5.1 rebounds.
The league has shifted towards two-point guard lineups, so pairing LaMelo Ball and Henderson wouldn’t be a bad idea given Ball’s improving three-point shooting (37.6%).
Henderson also would be a perfect slashing option for Ball amidst the departure of Miles Bridges.
According to NBA Draft Room, his NBA comparison is Derrick Rose mixed with prime Russell Westbrook.
