Three players the Charlotte Hornets could draft with late first-round pick

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 03: The Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 03, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - FEBRUARY 03: The Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 03, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
1 of 4
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 03: The Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 03, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – FEBRUARY 03: The Charlotte Hornets logo is pictured on a uniform against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena on February 03, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. 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 Nic Antaya/Getty Images)

Throughout the course of the 2022-23 NBA season, all eyes have been on the draft lottery standings as teams position themselves for a chance at Victor Wembanyama, the generational French prospect who will certainly be selected with the first pick this summer. Beyond Wembanyama, teams such as the Charlotte Hornets who find themselves in the lottery have been keeping an eye on players such as Scoot Henderson, Brandon Miller, and Amen and Ausar Thompson, who all figure to be off the board within the first handful of picks.

Who could the Charlotte Hornets draft with their late-first round pick from the Denver Nuggets?

Beyond their own first round selection, Charlotte also holds the Denver Nuggets’ first round pick by way of a draft night deal from last summer. With the Nuggets atop the Western Conference standings, this pick is currently the 27th overall selection. While this represents less of a commodity than a top lottery pick, there will still be talented players available with this selection. With that said, let’s take a look at three players who the Hornets could draft with the Nuggets’ first round pick in this year’s draft.