Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft Profile: Duane Washington Jr.

The Charlotte Hornets own their own first-round pick and are owed second-round picks from the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. Over the next couple of months, leading up to the 2021 NBA Draft, Swarm & Sting will take a look at prospects hoping to hear their name called on draft night.

We’ve spent a good amount of energy focusing on players that may be available when the Hornets pick in the first round with the 11th overall selection, but now we turn the page to focus on a number of players who may still be on the board when Charlotte picks at No. 56 and 57.

Age: 21

Height: 6′ 3″

Weight: 210 lbs

College Stats/Awards

Duane Washington Jr. enters the 2021 NBA Draft after spending three seasons at Ohio State. During the 2020-21 season, Washington played and started in 31 games, averaging 16.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, while shooting 41.0% from the field and 37.4% from three.

Primary Strengths

Washington was a solid scorer at the college level. At Ohio State, Washington scored well off the dribble and had an average jump shot. Washington struggled during his freshman year at the free-throw line shooting 64.7% but improved to 83.3% during his sophomore campaign and 83.5% last season to finish at 80% for his career.

Washington handles the ball well and has a great change of direction speed. He scores well in the lane with a variety of layups, hooks, and floaters.

Primary Weaknesses

Washington can be prone to focus a lot on offense but lead a lot to be desired on the defensive end. However, his offensive skills aren’t good enough for him to get away with that on the NBA level. He’ll need to focus more and develop his all-around skills at the next level to stick on a roster

Although Washington is a crafty scorer, he does make questionable decisions when shooting outside of the lane. He’ll need to make better decisions when shooting from the perimeter and continue to improve on creating free-throw opportunities for himself.

Averaging 2.9 assists is pretty low for a player at his position at a school like Ohio State. At the next level, Washington will need to develop as a player who can make plays for his teammates as well as himself.

Draft Projection

Washington isn’t a shooting guard, but also isn’t a true point guard. However, he is skilled enough to grow into a solid contributor off the bench as a combo guard; someone who can provide relief to both guard positions when needed.

Washington’s crafty ability to make shots will make him an intriguing prospect for teams that are selecting at the bottom half of the second round.

The draft lottery will be held on Tuesday, June 22 on ESPN. The 2021 NBA Draft will be held on Thursday, July 29 from the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The draft will be televised on ABC (first-round only) and ESPN.