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Charlotte Hornets: Taking a look at potential second round draft prospects

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) drives around Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) during the second half in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oregon Ducks forward Dillon Brooks (24) drives around Kansas Jayhawks guard Josh Jackson (11) during the second half in the finals of the Midwest Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Sprint Center. Oregon defeated Kansas 74-60. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) holds the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers center Thomas Bryant (31) holds the ball against the Wisconsin Badgers in the first half during the Big Ten Conference Tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports /

Thomas Bryant

According to DraftExpress.com, Bryant is projected to be selected as the 42nd overall pick which is around where the Hornets will be drafting. After averaging 12.6 points per game and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 51.9% from the field, 38.3% from three and 73% from the free throw line. His ability to knock down outside shots could be a weapon going forward as he enters the league.

Mike Schmitz of DraftExpress pins length, motor/physicality, offensive flashes and age as Thomas’ strength ahead of the draft. He also points some of his weaknesses like scoring at the NBA level, feel for the game and defensive impact. Even with his downfalls, the 6’10, 19-year old could be a valuable asset in a couple of years as he has plenty of room to develop.

Bryant showcased his skillset in college by being third on last season’s Indiana Hoosiers’ team in scoring, first in rebounding and first in blocks.

Charlotte already has a number of big men on their roster in Cody Zeller, Miles Plumlee, Frank Kaminsky and Johnny O’Bryant but they don’t have a player like Bryant. The Hornets’ backup center spot isn’t secure even with Plumlee on the team. If Miles doesn’t work out, they could have Thomas waiting in the wings.

Omer Yurtseven

NBADraft.net has Omer going 41st overall to the Hornets in the upcoming draft. The things with Yurtseven is that he has not hired an agent. That means he can return to school next year after testing the waters this summer and that will likely be the outcome. He has the talent and potential to one day play in the NBA but he still needs a few years to develop either in college or in the D-League.

The 7-footer averaged 5.9 points per game, 4.4 rebounds per game and 1.2 assists per game during his freshman year. Again, Mike Schmitz lists the Turkish international’s strengths as size and mobility, scoring instincts, shooting potential and improved feel. As for his weaknesses, defensive impact, toughness and streaky shooting are at the forefront.

If Charlotte chose to go in the direction of a potential high-reward move, they would draft Omer. Although, there is a good chance that he never pans out to become what the team hopes. That is the risk teams taking when taking unproven players in the second round.

Next: Hornets to Look at Millsap

It will be interesting to see who the Charlotte Hornets end up selecting on draft night. Maybe they will end up trading the pick once again. Keep an eye out to see who they workout before the draft as they could indicate who they want to pick. one thing is for certain, there are always players to be found in the second round.

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