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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets to work out Justin Patton, Second round forwards/centers

By Jerry Stephens

March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Rhode Island Rams at Golden 1 Center. The Rams won 84-72. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
March 17, 2017; Sacramento, CA, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Justin Patton (23) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament against the Rhode Island Rams at Golden 1 Center. The Rams won 84-72. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

Kevin Durant‘s late heroics led the Golden State Warriors‘ to steal Game Three from the Cleveland Cavaliers as they took a 3-0 lead in the NBA Finals. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at Justin Patton working out for the Charlotte Hornets, possible forwards/centers to take in the second round and rolling the dice on Harry Giles.

Justin Patton to workout for Charlotte (Twitter/ @MikeGrich)

"Justin Patton’s workout with the Blazers was his 1st of the predraft process. He will workout for Denver, Detroit, Charlotte, Miami and OKC"

Patton is one of the highest ranked center prospects in the draft this year. DraftExpress.com projects him to be selected just outside of the lottery but seeing that the Hornets pick at No. 11, he could be an option for them. Justin will surely be a first round pick. His athleticism and length make him an intriguing prospect for any team picking in the lottery.

Even though Cody Zeller is currently Charlotte’s starting center, the team could look for a future replacement and that’s what the freshman from Creighton would give them. Also, he would be an upgrade over Miles Plumlee off of the bench in his first season as he adjusts to the pro game. Justin is the highest profile prospect named to schedule a workout with the Hornets so far.

Second round forwards/centers for the Hornets to draft (NBA.com)

"As of now, the Charlotte Hornets currently hold the 41st overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft and could be looking at a great pool of forwards and centers if that’s a route they choose to explore when the time comes."

Sam Perley named Bam Adebayo, Jordan Bell, Mathias Lessort, Thomas Bryant, Jonathan Motley, Semi Ojeleye, Alec Peters, Caleb Swanigan, Tony Bradley, Kyle Kuzma, Dillion Brooks, Jonah Bolden, Devin Robinson, Cameron Oliver, Jaron Blossomgame and Dwayne Bacon. Of those prospects, Ojeleye ranks the highest on Draft Express’ top-100 board. He’s followed by Jordan Bell, Caleb Swanigan and Alec Peters.

Despite being ranked lower, Adebayo is one of the only ones (including Semi) currently projected to go in the first round. In the second round, teams are looking for value and depth. If it were up to me, I would go with Adebayo but he is arguably the most unlikely to fall to No. 41. So that would lead me to lean towards Caleb Swanigan out of Purdue.

Throwing caution to the wind in the 2017 NBA Draft?

"On paper, Giles has enough upside to transform into the second or third best prospect from this class based on his combination of size, athleticism and two-way talent. It’s why the mock above has the Charlotte Hornets rolling the dice on his upside."

Next: Tyler Dorsey to workout for Charlotte

Harry Giles may be the hardest prospect to project this year. Coming off of multiple knee injuries, some teams will be scared away. As the former top overall prospect, some will be intrigued. It all comes down to which front office is willing to take that risk. Looking at the Charlotte Hornets’ track record, they can’t afford to take that kind of a risk and it doesn’t look like they will as their last few first round picks would show.

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