Wendell Carter Jr. held a pro day in Los Angeles where the Charlotte Hornets came to scout the potential lottery pick.
Charlotte was one of four teams to attend Wendell Carter Jr.’s pro day. Jonathan Givony of ESPN tweeted that the Phoenix Suns, the Sacramento Kings, the Philadelphia 76ers and the Charlotte Hornets were at the Duke big man’s pry day in LA. All of these teams hold lottery picks in this year’s draft.
Givony also reported that Carter worked out for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Chicago Bulls ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft. The 19-year old has worked out for six teams including the Dallas Mavericks, the Memphis Grizzlies, the New York Knicks and the Orlando Magic. They all have a top-10 pick this year.
This isn’t the Queen City team’s first contact with Wendell as they met with him at the NBA Draft Combine. Charlotte may have some interest in Carter but it’s unlikely that he falls to them at No. 11 as he is projected to be a top-10 pick. Still, it wouldn’t be all that surprising if he fell a couple spots to the Hornets.
More from Swarm and Sting
- Hornets: Where does Brandon Miller’s ceiling rank among other rookies?
- Charlotte Hornets grade out mostly average in position-by-position ranking
- Hornets News: P.J. Washington makes bold statement on Brandon Miller
- Grade the mock trade: Hornets snag Tyler Herro, flip Gordon Hayward
- Will the Charlotte Hornets be in the 2024 NBA Draft Lottery?
During his lone year at Duke, Carter put up 13.5 points per game, 9.1 rebounds, 2.1 blocks and 2.0 assists. He stood out as a top prospect despite playing alongside notable players like Marvin Bagley, Grayson Allen, Gary Trent Jr., and Trevon Duval. He nearly averaged a double-double under Mike Krzyzewski.
Wendell’s pro player comparison is Juwan Howard and Al Horford. (NBADraft.net) He is an extremely versatile big who can play both power forward and center. At 6’10 and 250 pounds with a 7’4.5″ wingspan, he has the size to play both positions.
Carter is viewed as one of the top big men in this draft class but is a bit overlooked because of the deserved attention that DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley, Mo Bamba and Jaren Jackson Jr. are receiving.
It’s worth noting that Carter met with the Atlanta Hawks and the Minnesota Timberwolves as well but has not worked out for them.
Next: Charlotte should take a chance on Kostas Antetokounmpo
If Wendell Carter Jr. is still available when Charlotte’s on the clock, you’d have to think that Mitch Kupchak and Michael Jordan would jump on the chance to take a top-10 talent with the 11th overall pick. It will be interesting to see where the former Duke big man lands or if the Hornets would trade up to get him. The 2018 NBA Draft takes place on June 21st.