Charlotte Hornets: Pre 2019 NBA Draft Round-Table Discussion

How would a potential Whiteside trade influence the draft?

Vincent: A trade for Whiteside would be a huge, but I feel that the Hornets have a lot of option on the table besides Whiteside. A long with the talent, they have also expressed interest in Clint Capela, and he seems to be a nice candidate who could help the Hornets’ front court. If the team manages to get Whiteside, I would be highly supportive of it.

Caleb: A Whiteside trade shouldn’t change much for the Hornets. With Whiteside, the Hornets should still look at drafting a center for the future. A young center could benefit out of learning from Whiteside’s game as well as coming off of the bench when Whiteside is in foul trouble. Maybe even a little twin tower action some nights? Who knows.

Filippo: If we reach an agreement for a Whiteside trade, we should definitely not draft a number 5. Whiteside has no shooting potential, so we should search for guys that can open and stretch the floor well, or ball-handlers that will be ready to feed him up, NAW or Ty Jerome may be a good fit.

Elijah: It would allow the Hornets to focus on maybe getting a starting two guard in case Jeremy Lamb decides to leave via free agency. Granted, Lamb came off the bench in the latter part of the year, but he was easily the team’s second-best scoring option. Replacing that would be a must if they do land Whiteside.

Zack: If the Hornets trade for Whiteside, I don’t think it will take a lot to get him. Miami would actually love to get rid of him and free some cap space. I could see a scenario where the Hornets land Whiteside and manage to keep their 12th overall pick. Being that it won’t take a whole lot to get him, I could see some interest from the Hornets’ end.

De: For my projection, not much. It’s basically a super easier version of the potential AD trade. Whiteside wants to come home, he definitely hasn’t been playing to his potential, and they want to get rid of him. We salary match, and it shouldn’t be too difficult. Then we draft a two-guard or power forward and we should have a pretty decent starting rotation. Also, with the interest in Capela, I see him as a younger version of Draymond Green who could be a problem down low. I just don’t see this as the right situation for him. The way our team is, I believe Whiteside would be better situated in Charlotte due to his rebounding and defensive skill set. Consider all the shots that the team puts up… all the second chance points we missed out on… Think of Al Jefferson’s first season here, add two or three inches, and add an All-Defensive Second Team award (plus a rebounding leader in 2017 and blocks leader in 2016).