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Charlotte Hornets: A Graham of Devonte’, A Splash for Charlotte

By De White

DENVER, CO - JULY 6: Devonte Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JULY 6: Devonte Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets shoots the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 6, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Charlotte Hornets’ rookie point guard Devonte’ Graham showed his potential and looked like a steal during the Las Vegas Summer League.

With the 34th overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Charlotte Hornets undoubtedly picked an unexpected player. Though it was a position of need, many fans weren’t aware of the four-year guard from the University of Kansas to even be on the team’s radar much less their draft decision.

The 6’2” point guard was however as the team traded multiple second-round draft picks in order to acquire him. After selection, a quick search of Devonte’ Graham on YouTube revealed the true talent, high IQ, and potential that the now 23-year-old Raleigh, North Carolina native possessed.

A former 2016 Big 12 All-Defensive Team player, 2016 Big 12 Men’s Basketball Tournament MVP, 2017 Second-Team All-Big 12, 2018 First-Team All-Big 12, a consensus 2018 First-Team All-American, Big 12 Player of the Year, AND a 2015 Summer Universiade Men’s Tournament gold medalist, Graham has shown that he can be a difference maker every time that he steps on the court. With a host of collegiate achievements to prove his legitimacy, what move proof could fans need as to further cement his worth?

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2018 Summer League proved that three games were all that Graham needed to show his worth to his new team, coach, and fans. Graham immediately displayed his playmaking and field general mindset in quick fashion. In three games, Graham (according to NBA.com) averaged 10 points per game, 6.0 assists, 2.7 rebounds, 1.0 steals, and 37% from the field, yet his play was seemingly better than the stats would show.

Though Graham struggled with his long-range shooting throughout summer play, the court vision and defense that was presented was far better than anticipated. The six assists per game could have undoubtedly been increased by at least three or four after terrific passes put teammates in advantageous positions to score.

Unfortunately, some misses can’t be avoided, but the opportunities given seemed to show a player who’s comfort and playmaking ability are far better than a typical rookie player’s.

With an incredible collegiate career and tremendous summer play, the possible fit of Graham seems to become increasingly comfortable. Though he will more than likely sit behind Kemba Walker and Tony Parker for most of his rookie campaign, the opportunity to learn behind two All-Star point guards only serves to benefit the newcomer. The combined skills and wealth of NBA knowledge between the two veterans teaching Graham could produce one of the most highly skilled NBA players in the near future.

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A player more capable of leading and organizing any unit that he’s tied to with and also one able to pick apart a defense with a host of skills and abilities with greater efficiency. The skill of Kemba, the savvy of Parker, and the potential of Graham could equal a big splash for the Charlotte Hornets.

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