Charlotte Hornets stay put, land 12th overall pick in 2019 NBA Draft
The basketball gods weren’t with the Charlotte Hornets tonight, as the team stayed put and will be making the 12th selection in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Despite the incredibly low odds of moving up in the lottery, fans were hopeful for a miracle, but it just wasn’t to be, as the Charlotte Hornets earned the 12th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, right where they were projected to be.
Charlotte may not end up with Zion Williamson, New Orleans will get that honor, but they will still have the opportunity to add a very good prospect with their lottery selection. This is a solid draft class, and the Hornets will have plenty of options to look at.
Head Coach James Borrego represented the team at the Draft Lottery this year. Last year, General Manager Mitch Kupchak had that responsibility. Neither of them brought any good luck, though.
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Last season, the Hornets had the 11th overall pick, which turned out to be Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Charlotte would then trade Gilgeous-Alexander to the Clippers for the 12th overall pick, which was Miles Bridges. They also acquired two future second round picks in the deal.
With so many question marks surrounding the Hornets this off-season, this could be a pretty important draft for the franchise. Losing Kemba Walker in free agency would signify a rebuild, which would mean this draft pick likely gets minutes right away.
Bol Bol, Jaxson Hayes, Keldon Johnson and more are all projected to be picked around 12th overall, and could be legit candidates for the Hornets when they are on the clock come June 20th.
It’s going to be an exciting draft, that’s for sure. The Hornets already have some exciting young players in Miles Bridges and Malik Monk, so adding to that young core and developing that young core will be a priority moving forward.
The next event that fans can look forward to is the NBA Draft Combine. I recently wrote an article talking about 10 players to keep your eye on during the event.
The Draft Combine begins tomorrow, but TV coverage will be on Thursday and Friday. You will be able to watch prospects participate in drills, tests and 5-on-5 scrimmages. Draft season is in full effect, folks.
Next. Marvin Williams' 2018-19 Season Grade. dark
This years draft will be the first step in what could be a franchise changing summer for the Charlotte Hornets. Time will tell what direction they decide to go in, but we do now know where they will be picking.