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Rumor: Charlotte Hornets unlikely to trade 11th overall pick

By Jerry Stephens

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Malachi Richardson (Syracuse) walks to the stage after being selected as the number twenty-two overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Malachi Richardson (Syracuse) walks to the stage after being selected as the number twenty-two overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rather than trade the 11th overall pick, the Charlotte Hornets seem set to keep their lottery selection in this year’s draft.

In a recent interview with Sirius XM NBA, Rich Cho made it clear that the Charlotte Hornets aren’t necessarily looking to trade their first-round pick this year. According to the team’s general manager “I think it is a great draft & if we don’t get lucky, we will get someone very good at #11.” He said this pre-lottery but after the ping pong balls were drawn, they did, in fact, end up with the 11th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.

This does not set anything in stone going forward. The Hornets could still end up trading up or down in the draft depending on which player they want to go after. Although, after Cho’s comments, it sounds like they have their sights on keeping their lottery pick.

That probably isn’t a bad idea considering their position in the draft. This class is loaded with highly rated prospects but it may be difficult fro Charlotte to move up without giving up a significant asset. They could trade down but they could use a top player in this draft class so their best bet is to stay at 11.

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It wouldn’t be that surprising if the Hornets chose to move their pick considering that they traded the 22nd overall selection in the first round (Malachi Richardson) to the Sacramento Kings last year. They also dealt Shabazz Napier (1st round, 24th pick) on draft night to the Miami Heat back in 2014.

Aside from Noah Vonleh, who was traded a year after being drafted, every player that Charlotte picked in the lottery since 2011 is still on the roster (Kemba Walker, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky).

If the Hornets do hold onto their pick, Zach Collins, Frank Ntilikina, Donovan Mitchell, OG Anunoby, Justin Jackson, John Collins and Jarrett Allen are all possible prospects the team could select with the 11th pick.

During the interview, Cho also said that the Hornets “were expecting more this season after taking the #Heat to seven games last postseason.” When talking about Steve Clifford, Rich added that “I think he has done a really good job. Players love playing for him.” He also reiterated that he isn’t a fan of players resting.

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It will be interesting to see what happens during the draft on June 22nd but Michael Jordan and Rich Cho will definitely have a say in who the team selects. As for now, they seem set on keeping the 11th pick. In my opinion, that is their best option but things could always change.

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