Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft: Admiral Schofield brings toughness, defense

If the Charlotte Hornets are looking for a tough, hard-nosed defender in the 2019 NBA Draft, Admiral Schofield could be an option in the second round.

One draft prospect that the Charlotte Hornets are familiar with is Tennessee senior Admiral Schofield. The 22 year old had a pre-draft workout in Charlotte last year, and was one player that the team met with during the Draft Combine.

Schofield had an awesome four-year career at Tennessee; his final two seasons in particular were great. He put himself on draft radar over the last two years, and should definitely hear his name called during next months draft.

About Admiral Schofield

Height: 6’5″

Weight: 241 pounds

Wingspan: 6’10”

2018-19 stats: 16.5 points, 6.1 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 47% FG, 42% 3PT

Strengths:

• Good three-point shooter
• NBA ready defender
• Strong body, tough
• Has a great motor
• Good rebounder for his size

Weaknesses:

• Besides shooting, not a polished offensive player
• Undersized for a small forward
• Needs to improve his ball handling

It wouldn’t surprise me at all if Schofield manages to sneak into the back end of the first round, but as of right now, he’s projected to go in the early second round. Charlotte owns the 36th overall pick, making Schofield a candidate for that selection.

Schofield fits right into the mold of a “3&D” player, and those kinds of players are highly coveted in the NBA. Just like at guys like Robert Covington, Jae Crowder and Trevor Ariza. They all play big roles for their teams and make a bunch of money by working hard defensively and stretching the floor.

I’m not saying that Schofield will end up having a career similar to those guys, but they are players that Schofield should observe and mold his game after. He has all the tools to be a successful two-way player in the NBA.

During a game against Gonzaga on December 9th, Schofield went off for a season-high 30 points in the win. He made six three-pointers and added six rebounds. He then followed up that performance with a 29 point/11 rebound double-double against Memphis.

The Hornets lacked perimeter defense during the 2018-19 season, so they will certainly look to improve in that area in the draft and free agency. Schofield would really help on that end of the floor, rookie or not.

Last year, the Hornets took an experienced guard, Devonte’ Graham, in the second round. That pick worked out, as Graham has shown promise and is in the teams plans moving forward. Since that pick was successful, maybe they will go after another four-year college player who will be ready to play right away like Schofield.

He’s undoubtedly a safe option at 36th overall, and could be a rotation piece as a rookie, depending on what kind of other moves the Hornets make this summer. Hopefully the team decides to bring him in for a pre-draft workout, like they did last year.

If the Charlotte Hornets are looking for a tough defender with the 36th overall pick, Admiral Schofield could be a very good option if he is available.