LaMelo Ball And Vernon Carey Jr. Highlight Charlotte Hornets Big Draft
Which team won the NBA Draft? A lot of fanbases can make the case as having the best draft. None can say they had a night like Michael Jordan and the Charlotte Hornets Not only did the Hornets draft the most exciting player of the 2020 class, they filled some glaring holes in their lineup.
The Hornets selected the enigma known as LaMelo Ball with the 3rd overall pick. An obvious pick for Jordan, Ball is one of the most gifted players in the draft. He might come with a bit of baggage (not all his doing), but the reward far outweighs the risk.
Charlotte has a decision to make with Terry Rozier. He’s likely going to be traded, as both DeVonte Graham and Ball are starting-caliber guards. The Hornets are a much better, and a lot more exciting, team with Ball and Graham running the backcourt. And if Rozier is traded, that just means more assets for the Hornets. So, in the end, that is a step forward for a team that’s rebuilding and retooling their roster. Assuming someone wants Rozier bad enough to take on his contract.
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The ball was a no-brainer. The Hornets would have been better suited to take James Wiseman, who went a pick before them, as they need a starting C more than any other position. Although, the dominoes fell and Ball landed into their laps, similar to their second-round selection, Vernon Carey Jr.
Carey, a freshman out of Duke, was taken with the 32nd pick. While Carey might not be a franchise player, the Hornets might have found a starting center with their first second-rounder. He’s not the prototypical stretch big teams look for in today’s NBA, however, his ability to play the paint and down low still makes him a valuable piece, especially for a team that doesn’t have an impact big.
Carey was a top-10 high school prospect. Some thought he’d have been a lottery selection one year ago. And I fully believe had Carey had an NCAA Tournament to showcase his skills, he’d be a first-round player. That had to have been the Hornets thinking. They’ll reap the benefits of this pick. Even if Carey is a viable backup big man, getting him at 32 is a steal.
The real highlight of the Hornets draft was Grant Riller. The College of Charleston product went with the 56th pick. It’s easy to look past Riller given his small school collegiate playing career. He’s a two-way guard that will thrive in a backup role. Playing primarily as the future backup to Ball (assuming Rozier is traded), this will be a typical glue guy that provides offense and defense off the bench.
On the night, the Hornets got a franchise player in Ball, a viable big man in Carey Jr., and a quality backup option with Riller. You can’t ask for a better draft night.
Image Source: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Daniel is a guru of baseball and basketball prospects. He’s a very experienced Amusement Park traveler as well. Follow him and his hot takes on Insta @dgentleman9288
