Charlotte Hornets: Early NBA Draft writers round-table discussion

Should the Charlotte Hornets trade their pick before the deadline?

Giovanni Spillman: The Charlotte Hornets lack rebounding and defense in the paint. This can be solved by trading for Andre Drummond. I believe the Hornets could get him for a nice price. The Hornets have been interested in him for the last two seasons, so maybe they can finally get him this year.

Shawn Simmons: Open? I am not just open; I say they need to pull the trigger. Look, we all know the Hornets draft woes in the past, but they have turned out rather good drafts over the last three years. The Hornets have enough young talent on the roster to trade at least one first round pick away. Unless it is a superstar-level talent, I would not endorse trading away multiple first-round draft picks. If the Hornets need to give away one first-round pick to acquire a talent like John Collins or Andre Drummond who will commit to the team past this season, let it go, Mitch, let it go!

Josh Anderson:  I am very open to trading a first-round pick for an impact player. The draft isn’t an exact science, and so I believe that the Hornets would benefit more from trading away their first-round pick and get an Andre Drummond-like player. I believe Drummond would be a good addition to the team. There are others that would make a good addition and worth way more than a first-round pick.

Reilly Biller: Absolutely. As we know first-round picks are one the most valuable things that an NBA team can offer. If trading draft picks to get a team-changing player such as Zach LaVine or Bradley Beal then they need to do it without hesitation.

Anthony Boscia: Yes, but only for a young star who can fit the timeline. Stay away from the Drummonds, Griffins, and Loves. If a player like John Collins, or even a Jonas Valanciunas becomes available for a decently reasonable price that involves moving the first-rounder this year, it could be potentially worth it.

Josh Flenniken: I would trade the pick only if it’s for a long-term player who can develop with the team. I really like John Collins’ fit with this team. He’s not the best rim protector, but his numbers look great playing center and he fits the fast-paced offensive identity that’s starting to form. The elephant in the room is that he wants a max deal, and doesn’t exactly provide max production yet. I’d push it all the way to the deadline, but I think it’s a trade I’d make for the right price.

Tyler Reed: This team has the talent this season to be a playoff team. If management feels that another talented player could make the Hornets an Eastern Conference contender, it would be hard to pass up that idea. While I believe the team should keep the pick, all options should be on the table.

Emmett Ball: I would be open to doing something like that as long as only one first-round pick is given up, and not multiple. If Charlotte can grab a young player who can contribute now, I think it could be worth it.