The Charlotte Hornets reportedly hosted the Atlantic 10 Conference Co-Player of the Year Peyton Aldridge for a pre-draft workout.
According to Vindy.com, “The Charlotte Hornets have had Aldridge in for a workout.” The combo-forward played a pivotal role for the North Carolina-based Davidson Wildcats and is now looking to build his stock prior to the 2018 NBA Draft.
Aldridge averaged 21.2 points per game, 7.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists while shooting 47.9% from the field, 38.1% from three and 85.1% from the free throw line during his Senior year. Not only did he lead the Wildcats in scoring but he also led them in rebounds, three’s made and free throws made. He was also third on the team in assists.
Peyton did it all for Davidson as he helped lead them to a 21-12 record which was good enough for third place in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Although they made the NCAA Tournament as a 12 seed, Aldridge and the Wildcats were eliminated by Kentucky in the first round. It was their best finish since the 2014-15 campaign.
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The 22-year old was named the Atlantic 10 Conference C0-Player of the Year with Jaylen Adams. He led the conference in points, minutes per game, field goals made and win shares. Not to mention that he is the A-10’s all-time leader in points produced (since 2009-10) and career offensive rating. (Basketball-Reference.com)
Aldridge was also named to the 2017-18 Atlantic 10 First-Team and the 2016-17 Atlantic 10 Second-Team.
At 6’8 and 225 pounds, Peyton has decent size and strength for an NBA small forward. Although he lacks outstanding athleticism, Aldridge is a willing rebounder and a knockdown outside shooter who makes few mistakes with the ball in his hands. He is a bit of a tweener and questions remain on whether he is a three or a four at the next level.
His draft range is second-round to undrafted. It will most likely depend on how well Aldridge performs during team workouts. Charlotte holds a late second-round pick (No. 55) and could be a landing spot for Peyton. If he goes undrafted, there’s a good chance that he will end up on a team’s summer league roster.
He’s mentioned that he’s not opposed to playing overseas and that it’s “definitely an option.”
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The Hornets have already worked out a number of players including Fletcher Magee (Wofford), Austin Ajukwa (Charlotte), Admiral Schofield (Tennessee) and Andrien White (Charlotte). They are expected to take a look at Lexus Williams (Boise State), Ray Ona Embo (Tulane) and Collin Sexton (Alabama) as well.