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

By Evan Birchmore

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) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 18: Dariq Whitehead #0 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 18, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – MARCH 18: Dariq Whitehead #0 of the Duke Blue Devils looks on against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half in the second round of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Amway Center on March 18, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

Dariq Whitehead, Forward, Duke

A two-way wing for the Duke Blue Devils this season, Dariq Whitehead was limited early in the season by a foot fracture that he suffered in August of 2022. However, Whitehead’s talent began to shine through as the season wore on, as nine of his ten double-digit scoring performances on the season came during ACC play. While his statistics do not stack up against some of his draftmates, it is important to remember that Whitehead was a true freshman who was recovering from injury while also playing for a Duke program that never lacks for talent.

Whitehead plays both ends of the floor and projects as a capable perimeter defender at the next level. His athleticism and willingness to pass would make him a fit within Charlotte’s offense. While he lacks the ability to create his own offense on a consistent basis, he would likely not need to do so for a team featuring LaMelo Ball and his offensive creativity. Instead, Whitehead would need to focus on becoming a more consistent three-point shooter, particularly in catch-and-shoot situations. His 42.9% three-point shooting led the Blue Devils this season, but his inconsistent catch-and-shoot mechanics would need to be ironed out for him to become a reliable shooter in the NBA.

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