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Charlotte Hornets: L.J. Peak may be a hidden gem in the 2017 NBA Draft

By Carlos Smith

Feb 25, 2017; Queens, NY, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard L.J. Peak (0) advances the ball during the first half against the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Queens, NY, USA; Georgetown Hoyas guard L.J. Peak (0) advances the ball during the first half against the St. John's Red Storm at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /
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Now that the NBA lottery is over teams can now focus on the draft. While the Hornets will try to find the best player available to them one name they should strongly consider is L.J. Peak. 

With the NBA Draft set to take place next month, future NBA players are still trying to improve their draft stock. The Charlotte Hornets have the 11th and the 41st pick in the draft this year and have still had a lot to prove once again this year. While some players are garnering well deserve attention some names continue to fly under the radar such as L.J. Peak.

If you watched the Georgetown Hoyas this past season it’s hard not to notice what he put on display. Peak was basically part of a duo along with Rodney Pryor as they put the Hoyas on their back. Just by himself, Peak accounted for 21.9 percent of the teams scoring according to SB Nation. He finished the season averaging 16.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. Peak also shot 79.6 percent from the free throw line which isn’t too shabby.

NBA Comparison

The comparison that comes up when being discussed is that of Dwyane Wade. “He found other ways to score. He wasn’t a consistent shooter and that’s how I felt when I started out and I couldn’t really shoot consistently. Slashing to the rim starting defense to offense that’s how I really model my game.” said Peak via Basketball Insiders. Those might be big shoes to fill, but when you’re comparing to one of the best to play the game that’s something worth noting. Peak also averaged 1.1 steals per game which adds to the defensive comparison of Wade.

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The Hoya Connection

Although he won’t have the opportunity to play for him the Hoya connection could possibly come into play. NBA legend and Hoya great Patrick Ewing was an assistant coach for the Charlotte Hornets before moving on to become the Hoyas new head coach.

With his deep ties to Hoya nation, Ewing kept tabs on his team regardless of the record. His relationship with both teams could very well benefit Peak or at least get him a workout with the team. Since he won’t get a chance to coach Peak losing him to coach Clifford wouldn’t hurt.

Hometown Kid

I’m sure if given the opportunity many players would like to go play for their home team. Peak who is a native of Gaffney, SC be close to home if selected by the Hornets. One of the key reasons Peak decided to declare for the draft early was to provide for his family which certainly can’t be knocked via Vice Sports. If he can have the people closest to him around could make a positive impact on his level of play.

This video might be from three years ago but it just shows the potential he has.

Depending on where you look a lot of mock drafts have Peak going late in the second round. With a month left and workouts still to be completed his stock could easily rise. The Hornets have struggled with injuries and production from their wing players in the past so this move would make sense.

Next: Hornets interview Terrance Ferguson in Chicago

With their star player in Kemba Walker undergoing knee surgery the Hornets need a guy they can count on to be on the floor. Peak has managed to stay healthy playing every game for the Hoyas. Where Peak will end up going will be a mystery up until the draft. If the Hornets end up making a move for the Hoya this could be a steal in the draft if they can grab him in the second round.

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