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Grading the Charlotte Hornets’ Recent Draft Picks

By Adam Greer

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Noah Vonleh (Indiana) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Noah Vonleh (Indiana) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

2014 Rd. 1 Pick 9 Noah Vonleh

As everyone knows Noah Vonleh is no longer with Charlotte, and when he did play in his lone season with the team it was very forgettable. This was not unexpected though, as he was seen as a long-term project and was the youngest player in the NBA during his lone season in Charlotte.

Vonleh was actually seen as a steal when he fell to number 9, and was projected to be drafted as high as number 4 to the Orlando Magic. Many were surprised the Hornets didn’t select Doug McDermott from Creighton.

Vonleh showed that he had a long way to go to in terms of feel and basketball IQ, and was dealt with Gerald Henderson the following off-season for swingman Nicolas Batum. While this looks like a great trade now that Batum had a terrific first season and looks to be signing an extension soon, the move was risky at the time.

Trading a high potential former lottery pick and solid starter for a player on an expiring contract who just so happens to be coming off of the worst season of his career isn’t for the faint of heart (credit to Cho and company). Since Vonleh only played one season in Charlotte I think it is fair to include his role in the Nic Batum trade into his final grade.

Pick Grade: B+

Next: P.J. Hairston

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