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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets to interview Miles Bridges, Five draft possibilities

By Jerry Stephens

DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) dribbles the ball during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Syracuse defeated Michigan State 55-53. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MARCH 18: Michigan State Spartans guard Miles Bridges (22) dribbles the ball during the NCAA Division I Men's Championship Second Round basketball game between the Syracuse Orange and the Michigan State Spartans on March 18, 2018 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. Syracuse defeated Michigan State 55-53. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the latest news and stories from around the web about the Charlotte Hornets.

Jonathan Wasserman tweeted that Mitch Kupchak is at the NBA Draft Combine and is seriously scouting the scrimmages. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets meeting with Miles Bridges, five possible options for the No. 11 pick and a potential trade involving Kemba Walker.

Hornets to meet with Miles Bridges (Twitter/ @Rick_Bonnell)

"Miles Bridges said he meets with the @hornets Friday."

Charlotte’s expected to meet with the Michigan State prospect on Day 2 of the NBA Draft Combine. They’ve already met with Maryland center Bruno Fernando and are going to meet with Michael Porter Jr. as well. Miles is projected to be a lottery pick this year and he could be available when the Hornets select at No. 11.

The 20-year-old averaged 17.1 points per game, 7.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists during his sophomore year. Most mocks expect him to fall between picks No. 7 and NO. 13 which means that Charlotte could be a prime landing spot for the 6’7 forward. Bridges also said that he is going to meet with the Knicks, the Sixers and the Bulls. It’s worth noting that he’s dropped 20 pounds since college.

Five draft options at No. 11 for Charlotte (HoopsHabit.com)

"With this year’s 11th selection, electing a playmaking guard has to be on the Hornets’ draft agenda. Kemba Walker will be an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2019, so they should prepare for the worst now. Even then, drafting a guard with the 11th pick gives them some much-needed depth in the backcourt."

This article lists Kevin Knox, Collin Sexton, Khyri Thomas, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Miles Bridges as five possible selections that the Hornets could make. Knox, Sexton, SGA and Miles have all been named linked to Charlotte in just about every mock draft. The one interesting name is Khyri Thomas.

The 22-year old played three years at Creighton and averaged 15.1 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals in his junior season this past year. At 6’3, he can play both guard spots and has the size to guard three positions. NBADraftRoom.com compares him to a poor man’s Donovan Mitchell and a bigger Terry Rozier.

Kemba-Knicks potential trade (BleacherReport.com)

"New York Knicks Get: Kemba WalkerCharlotte Hornets Get: Trey Burke, Lance Thomas, Nos. 9 and 37 picks in 2018 NBA draft"

Although this may not seem like a great return for Charlotte, the truth is that they might not be able to get a lot for Kemba as his contract is expiring at the end of the season. Securing a top-10 pick and a second-round selection isn’t all that bad. The Hornets could draft a point guard with one of their two picks and another young player to piece with him or package both picks and move up.

Next: Collective Hornets Bloggers Mock Draft

If Charlotte’s going to trade Kemba, now is the time to do it. His trade value will only continue to decrease the longer that they hold onto him. Collin Sexton and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are both intriguing options to replace Kemba Walker at point guard if the Hornets were to make this trade.

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