Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets worked out Michigan big man Moritz Wagner

By Jerry Stephens

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Moritz Wagner #13 of the Michigan Wolverines is defended by Omari Spellman #14 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Moritz Wagner #13 of the Michigan Wolverines is defended by Omari Spellman #14 of the Villanova Wildcats in the first half during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets reportedly hosted potential first-round pick Moritz Wagner for a pre-draft workout.

According to Michigan.Rivals.com, Moritz Wagner “has worked out for several teams, including Charlotte.” The German big man declared for the 2018 NBA Draft and spending three years at the University of Michigan. Aside from the Charlotte Hornets, Moritz has also met with the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards.

Wagner is expected to be either a late first round selection or an early second-round pick. NBADraft.net currently has him going 35th overall to the Orlando Magic. Although, with some good team workouts, he could easily move up into the tail end of the first round.

Moritz put up 14.6 points per game, 7.1 rebounds and 1.0 steals during his Junior year. He managed to shoot 52.8% from the field, 39.4% from three and 69.4% from the free throw line. The big man averaged career-highs in both points and rebounds while also leading Michigan in those categories.

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Wagner led the Wolverines to a 33-8 record and a Final Four appearance. They ended up falling to the Villanova Wildcats in the National Championship Game but Moritz was named to the 2018 NCAA All-Tournament Team. He was by far Michigan’s best player and helped out his draft stock with a strong Tournament performance.

The 21-year old played both power forward and center in college. At 6’11 and 235 pounds, he has the size and mobility to do the same at the next level. He could be a stretch five in the NBA because of his outside shooting ability and size. Wanger is an effective scorer from the low-post as well. With that being said, he still needs to work on improving his defense and passing ability.

At the Draft Combine, Wagner ranked first in lane agility, second in 3/4 court sprints, tied for second in the shuttle drill, third in max vertical (34″) and sixth in standing vertical (27″) among centers that were tested. (Twitter/ @DefPenHoops)

Charlotte only has two picks (No. 11 and No. 55) in the 2018 NBA Draft so unless they trade for another pick in the middle of the draft, they may not have the opportunity to select Moritz.

The Hornets already have depth at both power forward and center with Marvin Williams, Frank Kaminsky, Dwight Howard, Cody Zeller and Willy Hernangomez. So unless they trade one of those five players, it’s unlikely that they select a big man in the draft.

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The Charlotte Hornets have already worked out a number of players including Peyton Aldridge (Davidson) Fletcher Magee (Wofford), Austin Ajukwa (Charlotte), Admiral Schofield (Tennessee) and Andrien White (Charlotte). They are also expected to take a look at Lexus Williams (Boise State), Ray Ona Embo (Tulane) and Collin Sexton (Alabama).

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