Charlotte Hornets: How the Suns success can serve as a blueprint

By Jason Huber | Jul 11, 2021

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: LaMelo Ball #2 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 24, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

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PJ Washington and Miles Bridges, Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /

Moving on from draft busts and strike gold

Just like the Hornets, the Suns have drafted a lot of busts in the last 10 years. But the small amount of gold they struck on has turned out to be the nucleus of their finals team right now.

We don’t need to go into details of all the busts the Hornets have selected but Phoenix has had its fair share as well such as Dragan Bender, Alex Len, Josh Jackson and Tyler Ennis.

The two that the Suns struck gold on? Devin Booker with the 13th pick in 2015 and Deandre Ayton with the first overall pick in 2018.

In comparison, Charlotte seems to have struck gold with its high draft pick in 2020, selecting LaMelo Ball, and have rising stars that were lottery picks in Miles Bridges and PJ Washington.

Booker has become a star and Ayton has blossomed into a big man that can be a perennial all-star. If Ball continues to blossom into a great player and Bridges and/or Washington can become all-stars or be traded for one, that’s some key pieces to the puzzle.

The 11th pick will be pivotal for the Hornets in the draft this year, just as it was in 2019 when the Suns drafted former UNC forward Cam Johnson who has been a glue piece for Phoenix this playoff run.

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