Charlotte Hornets: Prospects the team should take an extended look at before the draft

With the NBA draft quickly approaching, the Charlotte Hornets will soon begin to host prospects during their pre-draft workouts.

The Charlotte Hornets‘ pre-draft workouts are set to being around the second week of June. They will surely bring in a number of top prospects but the lesser known players are the ones who are really auditioning for a chance to be drafted. The team currently holds the No. 11 pick in the first round and the No. 41 pick in the second round of the 2017 NBA Draft.

For players like Malik Monk, Dennis Smith and Zach Collins, it’s clear that they will be selected in the lottery. If Monk or Smith fall to Charlotte, the team probably won’t hesitate to pick them. While they should bring in these top players to get a longer look at them, they don’t have much to prove and the Hornets’ probably won’t learn much because everyone already knows that these are the best prospects.

As for guys like Donovan Mitchell, OG Anunoby and Justin Jackson, they are fringe lottery players. They will all get drafted in the first round but it is a matter of how early. Steve Clifford and the coaching staff need to get an extended look at these three in particular. If they are seriously impressed by one of them, the team may make a bit of a reach a take them with the 11th pick.

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Rather than looking at the top prospects, we will name a few under the radar players who the Charlotte Hornets should make sure to not only workout but keep an eye on for later in the draft. Their scouting department will already have done their due diligence when it comes to the top prospects but getting more info on late first round/second round picks can be equally as important.

Here are a few names the Hornets’ should make sure to bring in for a workout before the NBA Draft:

Harry Giles

Before his lone season at Duke that was filled with numerous knee injuries and surgeries, Giles was projected to be the top overall pick. Injuries aside, Harry is arguably the player with the most raw talent in the draft this year. The risk is well worth the reward but Charlotte would likely have to trade for a selection later in the first round rather than taking him in the lottery. An extended look and medical test for this draft’s most intriguing prospect.

Ivan Rabb

Rabb was a projected lottery pick last year but instead of going pro, the big man decided to return to Cal for his sophomore season. Now he is likely a late first round pick this summer. Ivan didn’t really do himself any favors by returning to school but that could open up an opportunity for the Hornets to draft him. While it is unlikely that he falls to them in the second round, Charlotte could nab him if they trade into the later stages of the first. Being a former top prospect, it’s worth it for the team to take a longer look at him.

Bam Adebayo

Yet another talented big man on this list. The Kentucky product only spent one season in college but he is already being considered as a late first to early second round pick. Kemba Walker already gave his vote of confidence to Adebayo and Bam also mentioned that he would love to play in Charlotte. Considering that he may be available when the Hornets pick in the second round, they should bring him in for a pre-draft workout.

Frank Jackson

After an impressive showing at the combine, the Duke freshman decided to declare for the NBA. Jackson is a former five-star prospect and he could be the answer to the Hornets’ backup point guard spot. As a projected second round pick, Charlotte will likely have their chance to grab Frank with the 41st selection. They already interviewed him at the combine so it is highly likely that they bring him in for a workout.

Caleb Swanigan

The 6’9 sophomore was one of the best big men in college this past season averaging 18.5 PPG and 12.5 RPG. Despite his great production, Swanigan is projected to fall to the middle of the second round. Even though Caleb doesn’t necessarily fit into the Hornets’ style of play, he is worth a look simply because of the numbers that he put up. If they don’t take a big man earlier in the draft, Charlotte can take a chance on the Purdue prospect.

P.J. Dozier

After looking at a lot of talented big men, we switch our focus to a shooting guard with length. The 6’6 prospect out of South Carolina who averaged 13.9 points per game this past season. It has already been announced that Dozier will work out for the Hornets in June. Charlotte could use depth at the wing and P.J. gives them a project who could develop into a role player in a couple of years.

Dillion Brooks

The Hornets only have two true small forwards on their roster in Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Treveon Graham. They could use a quality backup to MKG next season and Brooks could be that player. He is consistent scorer and shooter which is what Charlotte needs off the bench. The Oregon prospect may be a junior but he still offers a bit of upside. With MKG’s lack of shooting and offense, it would be good to have a player off the bench like Dillion who offers what Michael doesn’t.

Next: Taking a look at potential second round prospects

Pre-draft workouts aren’t just about looking at the best players. It gives the Charlotte Hornets a chance to scout the underrated prospects. Once their workouts start, we will keep you updated on who the team brings in.

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Prospects the Charlotte Hornets should take an extended look at prior to the draft

By Jerry Stephens | Jun 1, 2017