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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NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 11: Head coach Nate Oats of the Alabama Crimson Tide talks to Noah Clowney #15 during the second half of the SEC Basketball Tournament Semifinals against the Missouri Tigers at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE – MARCH 11: Head coach Nate Oats of the Alabama Crimson Tide talks to Noah Clowney #15 during the second half of the SEC Basketball Tournament Semifinals against the Missouri Tigers at Bridgestone Arena on March 11, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Noah Clowney, Forward, Alabama

A versatile big man for the Alabama Crimson Tide this year, Noah Clowney was perhaps overshadowed by teammate Brandon Miller, who projects to be off the board within the first three picks in this year’s draft. Clowney, however, could provide value to whichever team selects him, as his gritty defense and his nose for the ball are skills that will translate to the next level. Clowney fits the mold of the ideal defensive big man for the modern NBA, with the ability to switch onto guards and wing players while also possessing the necessary size to grab rebounds and defend the rim.

Two areas of improvement for Clowney will be his strength and his shooting. Currently listed at 6’10” and 210 pounds, he will need to bulk up in order to handle an 82-game grind against NBA bodies. As far as his shooting, while he has shown the ability to knock down the occasional three-pointer, the consistency is not at a level where this is a reliable aspect of his game.

Clowney is one of the youngest players in this year’s draft and will still be just 18 years old by the time the draft occurs. Despite his young age, he has displayed maturity both on and off the court, and his workmanlike attitude would be a welcome addition to any locker room.

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