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Charlotte Hornets: Johnathan Motley is worth a second round flier

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) dunks ahead of New Mexico State Aggies defense during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Tulsa, OK, USA; Baylor Bears forward Johnathan Motley (5) dunks ahead of New Mexico State Aggies defense during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at BOK Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Johnathan Motley was one of Baylor’s best players this past season and the Charlotte Hornets should consider drafting him in the second round.

The Charlotte Hornets hold the 41st overall pick in of the 2017 NBA Draft. They have not kept one of their second round picks since Jeff Taylor back in 2012. (Basketball-Reference.com) They may want to hold onto the selection this time around as there are plenty of sleepers in this deep draft class.

Johnathan Motley out of Baylor is just one name that stands out as a possible second round prospect. The 6’9 big man boasts an impressive 7’3.5 wingspan and a 9’3 standing reach. Despite his great numbers and intangibles, DraftExpress.com ranks him as only the 40th overall prospect in the upcoming draft class.

During his junior season, the power forward averaged 17.2 points per game, 9.9 rebounds per game, 2.2 assists per game and 1.1 blocks per game. Motley stuffed the stat sheet he led the Bears in scoring and rebounding as Baylor made their way to the Sweet 16 in the NCAA Tournament this past year. He was also second on the team in blocks and fourth in assists.

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Johnathan played both as a four and a five in college but his ideal position is as a power forward in the pros. Although, he could play at center in small ball lineups. Mike Schmitz of DraftExpress broke down the 22-year old’s strengths and weaknesses heading into the draft. Some of his clear strengths are his physical tools, budding skill set, potential on D and upside on the glass while a few weaknesses are his feel for the game, offensive polish, defensive rebounding and fundamentals on D.

His downfalls put him in the second round but there is no doubting his production. Motley ranked 20th in the NCAA Division 1 in rebounding and was one of only 12 players to average more than 17 points and nine rebounds per game. (Sports-Reference.com) Based on his stats alone, he is worth a second round flier.

Even though the Hornets already have a number of big men with Cody Zeller, Marvin Williams, Frank Kaminsky and Miles Plumlee, Motley could serve as an emergency big man on their roster much like Christian Wood did this past season. Johnathan would also give some competition to Johnny O’Bryant this summer.

Motley could be the sleeper pick we talk about a few years from now that everyone should’ve drafted. The only problem is that he may not fall to Charlotte at #41. He could go earlier than that. It will be interesting to see how the draft plays out on June 22nd.

If Johnathan is still on the board when the Hornets pick in the second round, they shouldn’t hesitate to take a chance on the Houston native. NBAdraft.net compares him to Darrell Arthur and Keon Clark.

Next: Potential Second Round Draft Prospects

Even though he doesn’t have a huge upside already being 22-years old, Motley has about as much potential as you could hope for in a second round prospect. Johnathan’s stats make him an intriguing player but his physical tools make him exciting. Taking a flier on him wouldn’t be that much of a risk for the Charlotte Hornets but it could pay off in a big way if he pans out.

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