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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets to work out Justin Patton, Jaron Blossomgame

By Jerry Stephens

Feb 25, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 25, 2017; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers forward Jaron Blossomgame (5) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Florida State Seminoles at Littlejohn Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-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.

The Cleveland Cavaliers travel west as they look to stave off elimination against the Golden State Warriors in Game Five of the NBA Finals. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at who the Charlotte Hornets will scout in their fourth pre-draft workout, the team’s biggest question in the draft this year and Perry Ellis is working to land a spot on an NBA team this summer.

Hornets host Patton, Blossomgame in fourth pre-draft workout (NBA.com)

"In preparation for the 2017 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets host their fourth draft workout on June 13."

Charlotte’s scheduled to workout Justin Patton (Creighton), Jaron Blossomgame (Clemson), P.J. Dozier (South Carolina), Antonius Cleveland (Southeast Missouri State), Avry Holmes (Clemson) and Quinton Stephens (Georgia Tech). Of the six prospects, Patton is the only one who could be in play for the Hornets’ lottery pick. Blossomgame and Dozier are both projected to be second round picks this year which means the team could draft either one with the 41st overall pick.

As for Cleveland, Holmes and Stephens, they will most likely go undrafted. Although, there is still the possibility that they could be signed as free agents. Charlotte needs to fill out their summer league roster and signing any of these three could be worth an extended look in the offseason. The most intriguing name on the list of players is P.J. Dozier. He left college after only his sophomore season. Adi Joseph said that he could even be a starter at the NBA level.

Charlotte’s biggest draft-related question (BleacherReport.com)

"That’s a problem for a lottery squad lacking bench shooters and a viable backup for Kemba Walker. Charlotte won’t have the scratch to properly address both areas, exponentially increasing the importance attached to the No. 11 pick."

If the Hornets choose to go with either shooting off the bench or a backup point guard, that would rule out big men prospects. Which, depending on how you feel about Zach Collins and others, could be a good direction for the team to go in. It’s clear that their biggest need is to bolster the bench unit with shooting, scoring and a playmaker.

Depending on who falls to Charlotte at No. 11, they might be able to fill all three of those holes with one player. Obviously, Malik Monk would be ideal but it is unlikely that he falls that low. That means that Frank Ntilikina, Dennis Smith and Donovan Mitchell are the ost likely options. Smith and Mitchell are proven scorers but Ntilikina is the truest point guard prospect. All three shot over 35% from three this past season so they would add outside shooting.

Perry Ellis looking to land with an NBA team (KansasCity.com)

"Ellis is willing to work out for any NBA team, any time. “If you want to do this for a living, get some years in playing this game, you have to do that,” Ellis said. “Other people are doing it.”"

Next: A brief history of the 11th overall pick

Ellis has already worked out for the Sacramento Kings this offseason and will also meet with the Minnesota Timberwolves. He gained a lot of momentum after impressing a number of teams with his showing at the D-League minicamp. After being on the Charlotte Hornets’ training camp roster last year, Perry will surely get another chance to make a team this season.

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