Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft: De’Andre Hunter may be the perfect fit
Virginia sophomore and NCAA Champion De’Andre Hunter could be the best option for the Charlotte Hornets during the 2019 NBA Draft.
The Charlotte Hornets will more than likely be picking in the late lottery come June during the 2019 NBA Draft, and De’Andre Hunter may be the best fit among any of the projected lottery talents.
Hunter is fresh off a championship run with the Virginia Cavaliers, and will now be taking his talents to the NBA. The Hornets could use some more firepower defensively, as well as a young power forward, which is why I believe Hunter could be their guy.
About De’Andre Hunter
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 225 pounds
Wingspan: 7’2″
2018-19 Stats: 15.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 52% FG, 44% 3PT, 32.5 minutes.
Strengths:
- Elite defensive potential
- Physical tools (strong body, great athlete)
- Feel for the game
- Shooting potential
- Winner
Weaknesses:
- Doesn’t have a definite position
- Ball handling isn’t sharp
- Needs to be more assertive
Hunter is one of my personal favorites in this draft class. He’s a proven winner, a hard worker and he has a chance to be a really good two-way player at the next level.
Last year, Hunter suffered a broken wrist prior to the NCAA Tournament, and Virginia became the first number one seed to lose to a sixteenth seed, thanks to some strong play from UMBC. This year was an amazing redemption story for Hunter and the Cavaliers.
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Hunter had a great season and finished it off with a national championship. Now, he’s headed to the NBA. Right now, he’s projected to be picked anywhere in the lottery, but his stock could be on the rise if he has strong pre-draft workouts.
In the championship game against Texas Tech, Hunter went off for 27 points and nine rebounds in 44 tough minutes. He took over the game and lead Virginia to a championship. NBA scouts had to have been drooling over this performance.
Prior to his outburst in the championship game, he had some moments where he would seemingly disappear throughout a game. I’d like to see him be more aggressive and look for his shot more often.
Charlotte Hornets fans had better be hoping that this guy slips on draft day and falls to the Hornets. He can come in right away and make an impact for a Hornets team that was one game away from the playoffs.
Behind Marvin Williams, the Hornets don’t have a ton of depth at power forward. Like I mentioned earlier, Hunter doesn’t have a definite position at the next level, but I do think he will eventually move to the power forward position full time.
With his speed and athleticism at that position, opposing players are going to have a hard time staying in front of him. He has an array of mid-range moves and he can also get to the basket and finish strongly.
He would also be a big addition on the defensive end. If he continues to develop and work on his craft, I think Hunter has a chance to be an elite perimeter defender in the NBA.
If I had to make a player comparison for Hunter, I would go with current Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes. Barnes has had a very productive career thus far in Golden State, Dallas and Sacramento.
A Marc Gasol trade would have saved the season. dark. Next
Hunter is clearly a lottery talent, so it will be interesting to see where exactly he lands come draft day. I would love to see the Hornets add Hunter to a young core featuring Miles Bridges. The two would make for a fun, defensive-minded duo.