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Charlotte Hornets to work out big man Billy Preston

By Jerry Stephens

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Billy Preston poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Billy Preston poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Charlotte Hornets are set to host former McDonald’s All-American Billy Preston for a pre-draft workout.

According to Chase Hughes of NBC Sports Washington, Billy Preston has a pre-draft workout planned with the Charlotte Hornets. Hughes also mentioned that the former Kansas big man will meet with the Portland Trail Blazers, the Milwaukee Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets ahead of the 2018 NBA Draft. He is still considered a bit of a mystery prospect.

Billy has already worked out for the Atlanta Hawks, the Boston Celtics, the Los Angeles Lakers, the Minnesota Timberwolves, the New York Knicks and the Washington Wizards. It’s clear that a number of teams have wanted to get a closer look at the 20-year old.

Preston is projected to be either a second-round pick or go undrafted this year. He is the 67th ranked prospect by NBAScoutingLive.com in the 2018 draft class. Charlotte currently holds the No. 55 pick in the second round. It wouldn’t be a surprise if a team like the Hornets selected him late in the second round.

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The 2017 McDonald’s All-American did have a typical path to the draft. He was a five-star prospect coming out of high school and was one of Bill Self’s top recruits. Preston never played in a single game for the Jayhawks because of an NCAA investigation into a car accident that Billy was involved in.

Growing frustrated with the length of the investigation, Preston decided to leave college in January and play professionally overseason with Igokea Laktaši of the Adriatic League in Bosnia. In only three games (two starts) in Europe, Billy averaged 7.0 points per game, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 assists.

The 6’10 power forward’s lack of game time over the past year makes him a mystery prospect heading into the draft. His strength comes on the offensive end where he looks to be a gifted scorer. With that being said, he does have a questionable motor and struggles on defense and with rebounding at times.

Still, he is an intriguing prospect because of how highly rated he was coming out of high school.

Next: Mitch Kupchak scouts Kevin Knox at pro day

Billy could definitely be an option for the Charlotte Hornets in the second round. Even though he is a bit of a project player, the team’s commitment to player development could suit the once-promising big man. If he goes undrafted, Preston will most likely be added to a team’s summer league squad. He could be a good fit for the Greensboro Swarm in the G-League as well.

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