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Charlotte Hornets rumor: Team ‘locked in on’ Luke Kennard or Donovan Mitchell

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives against Duke Blue Devils forward Amile Jefferson (21) during the first half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center.
Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Louisville Cardinals guard Donovan Mitchell (45) drives against Duke Blue Devils forward Amile Jefferson (21) during the first half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /
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The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly narrowed their search for a draft prospect down to Luke Kennard and Donovan Mitchell.

According to David Aldridge of NBA.com, the Charlotte Hornets‘ are likely “locked in on” Luke Kennard and Donovan Mitchell with the 11th pick. The NBA insider shared his insight on which prospect each team is thinking about taking in the lottery. It looks like Rich Cho and Steve Clifford are zeroing in on a couple of shooting guards for the 2017 Draft.

Here’s the full quote: “Rounding out the Lottery teams are the Charlotte Hornets (pick No. 11), who look to be locked in on one of two guards — Duke’s Luke Kennard or Louisville’s Donovan Mitchell.” If true, this makes a lot of sense for Charlotte as they need guard depth.

The team brought in Kennard and Mitchell for a pre-draft workout so that they could get an extended look at each prospect. Both have been quickly moving up draft boards after impressive showings during team workouts. DraftExpress projects the two to be selected in the lottery but outside the top-10 which is exactly where Charlotte’s picking.

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During his sophomore season at Duke, Kennard averaged 19.5 points per game, 5.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 43.8% from three. The 6’6 guard would make an immediate impact as a consistent shooter for the Hornets. Although, his struggles on the defensive end are a clear weakness and could turn some teams away.

As for Mitchell, he averaged 15.6 points per game, 4.9 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.1 steals under Rick Pitino this past year. The 6’3 sophomore has great length and athleticism with a 6’10 wingspan and a max vertical measuring in at 40.5″. Even though he primarily played shooting guard in college, Donovan did start a few games at point guard and can develop into a primary ball-handler/playmaker.

This news rules out the possibility of the Hornets drafting John Collins (Wake Forest), OG Anunoby (Indiana), Zach Collins (Gonzaga) and Justin Jackson (North Carolina). Although, if Luke and Donovan are both off of the board, then Charlotte would be forced to go in another direction.

Next: Hornets engaged in multiple trade talks

The real question is, if both Kennard and Mitchell are available at No. 11, who would the Hornets take? That may very well be the tough decision that they have to make on draft night (June 22nd).