Charlotte Hornets: Draft grades for the last 10 years
2018: Picked Miles Bridges at #12
This was another draft that was very unpredictable. Many players that Charlotte fans wanted were selected before their pick came. It could have been either Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Miles Bridges, or Michael Porter. The Hornets originally had the 11th pick in the draft but then traded this pick to the Los Angeles Clippers for the 12th overall pick and a second-round pick.
When the pick finally came, many people were wanting Michael Porter. This would be a risk that is probably too difficult to take. Sure, he was one of the best high school recruits. Then, in his first college game at Missouri, he had a back injury. Since his injury, Porter has never played to the level that he is capable of. Miles Bridges was probably the safest player to take.
Two years of college playing under one of the best coaches, Tom Izzo, probably helped with his skill set and IQ. Bridges is very athletic and is a solid all-around player. This may be the right decision looking back on the draft in a few years. Monk, Bacon, and Bridges should be a lot of fun in the future.
Charlotte then traded to get the Senior from Kansas, Devonte’ Graham. This pick is another one that I like. A young freshman in the draft would also be risky, so the selection of a player who has played with a great Kansas team for several years will help in the future. He may not become an immediate player on the Hornets, but in a few years, I feel like he will become a solid bench player in the rotation.
Next: Grading Mitch Kupchak's moves as GM
With the 55th overall selection, Charlotte took Arnoldas Kulboka. Don’t count this pick out just because it is a late second round player. He is a 6’10 Small Forward who is very long and looks to be a good shooter. Like Graham, he may be on the team’s roster in a few years.