Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets trade up to grab Devonte Graham in the second round

By Jerry Stephens

CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Devonte Graham #0 participates in drills during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - MAY 17: Devonte Graham #0 participates in drills during Day One of the NBA Draft Combine at Quest MultiSport Complex on May 17, 2018 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. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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One of the Charlotte Hornets’ draft day deals involved them trading up in the second-round to select Devonte Graham.

Heading into the 2018 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets held two second-round picks with the 45th and 55th overall selections. They traded two future second-round picks (2019 and 2023) to the Atlanta Hawks in order to get the No. 34 pick this year. They used that pick to grab Devonte Graham.

The former Kansas guard was the fourth pick in the second-round behind three other point guards in Elie Okobo (No. 31), Jevon Carter (No. 32) and Jalen Brunson (No. 33). He was the 10th point guard selected in this year’s draft. Devonte is one of only 11 college seniors picked in the 2018 NBA Draft.

Although Charlotte may have reached a bit for Graham, they wanted to make sure that they got the player they wanted. Hornets’ general manager Mitch Kupchak said that the team didn’t think Devonte would still be on the board at No. 34.

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Taking a close look at Graham’s college career, he played four years at the University of Kansas under Bill Self. He averaged 17.3 points per game, 7.2 assists, 4.0 rebounds and 1.6 steals while shooting 40% from the field, 40.6% from deep and 82.7% from free throw line. His performances during his Senior campaign earned him the Big 12 Player of the Year Award.

Devonte was also a consensus first-team All-American, a Wooden Award finalist and a Naismith Award finalist.

The Raleigh, North Carolina native measures in at 6’1 with a 6’6 wingspan. He is a good all-around player who can potentially run the second unit for the Hornets. Not only can he score but Graham is a playmaker who can get other players involved.

It’s worth noting that Charlotte talked to Devonte at the 2018 Draft Combine and brought him in for a pre-draft workout.

While Graham could be the Hornets’ backup point guard behind Kemba Walker next season, Mitch Kupchak says that the team is still looking to add another backcourt player (Twitter/ @SteveReedAP)

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At 23-years old, Graham doesn’t have immense potential but could be an immediate impact player for Charlotte. He mentioned that he is excited to learn from Kemba and wants to “pick his brain.” Devonte will wear #4 for the Hornets.

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