Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft: Romeo Langford has the right upside

Romeo Langford is a freshman guard from Indiana, and he is one of the best options at the guard spot in the 2019 NBA Draft for the Charlotte Hornets.

“Oh Romeo, why are you our #12 pick?”
Jokes aside, Romeo Langford is a realistic pick for the Charlotte Hornets in this draft. Selecting a guard could be one of the options, and I am convinced that the two spot needs some adjustment for the Hornets heading into next season.

This move could definitely mean the final give up on our 2017 NBA draft pick, Malik Monk. The Kentucky product did not impress even in his second year as a pro and assuming the departure in free agency of Jeremy Lamb, selecting a guard is not a bad idea.

The New Albany native played one season with the Indiana Hoosiers displaying good potential for the NBA, especially in a draft that lacks of 1-2 spots potential. He could be an interesting piece.

About Romeo Langford

Height: 6’7”

Weight: 215 pounds

Wingspan: 6’11”

2018-2019 stats: 16.5 points, 5.4 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 44.8% FG, 34 minutes

Strengths:

• Strong ability finishing at the rim
• Good size and physical power
• Potential to be an offensive thread

Weaknesses:

• Jump shot is not reliable
• Not always on point while defending
• Lack of some concentration

Romeo Langford has real talent, after just one year in the college, he impressed the scouts with his great offensive ability, displaying a lot of confidence as the second ball handler for the Indiana Hoosiers.

He may not be a generational talent, but he has an All-Star upside if he translates well in the NBA world. His size allows him to be a perfect fit with the position less modern NBA. He could be able to guard the 1-3 spots and fit well in a full switch defense, like the Hornets.

The main reason he is near the #12 pick is his offensive abilities. His solid handling ability and his size and speed, allows him to be an unstoppable thread while attacking the basket.

Whenever he smells the potential space towards the rim and attacks, he is hard to stop. He may be able to create the space he needs with the ball in his hands or with strong cuts.

As I said before, he has been a second ball handler in his freshman season. Langford could benefit from being paired with great playmakers like Kemba Walker and Devonte’ Graham. Langford’s passing ability is not much developed; he will need to improve that side of his game if he wants to share the ball with an NBA team.

Aside from passing, he will need to work hard on his shooting motion. He did not shoot the ball well from long-range, especially in catch and shoot situations. He has the right confidence and talent to survive in the NBA; if he is paired with a good shooting coach, he will overcome those problems.

Romeo Langford has all the tools to help an NBA team’s offense while not struggling so much on the defensive end. He also finishes at the rim perfectly, good motor and even has those good step-back moves.

His body is one of the most important weapons he may count on. James Borrego could exploit that with studied situations like post-ups. The way Rodney Hood is playing against Denver’s smaller guards in the playoffs could be a clear example.

Langford is definitely a solid pick at #12 for the Charlotte Hornets, and the two spot is going to suffer from the departure of Jeremy Lamb, but the team will benefit from Langford’s massive talent. Romeo was named Indiana’s Mr. Basketball this year and could team up with the former one, Cody Zeller!