The NBA draft is an annual bit of personnel acquisition. Just another chance to add college-aged talent. It’s not unlike when a company hires an intern during the summer while they matriculate through school.
Ok. Most of that is complete nonsense. The draft is certainly an opportunity to add talent to the team, but it is unique in its form and function. And unlike that summer intern who heats leftover fish in the breakroom’s microwave, they can add a real positive impact to the organization’s success.
The 2023 NBA draft is taking place on Thursday, June 22nd, and will air on ESPN. It will be held in Brooklyn, New York, and comes at the conclusion of an off-season full of tests and trials. It’s not an easy road for men’s basketball players after their seasons end. Some must-attend events like the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament. A showcase for seniors that aren’t sure first-round draft picks. While the players aren’t always highly regarded after their collegiate playing careers are done, that doesn’t mean that they can’t have success at the next level—the tournament boasts basketball hall of fame alumni like Scottie Pippen, Ben Wallace, and John Stockton.
What is the importance of the NBA draft?
Other players are less concerned about if they’ll be drafted, and more about where they will be drafted. The situation a player goes to is sometimes as important as the talent he has when he walks through the front door. Take 2017 Charlotte Hornets 1st round draft selection Malik Monk. He’s currently the sixth man on the Sacramento Kings, who are tied 2-2 in the first round of the 2023 NBA playoffs. Monk is getting the first taste of the postseason in his sixth season. While his role on the Kings is the same as it was on the Hornets, he’s experiencing far more success due to, in part, his surroundings.
There’s also the human part of the NBA draft. The culmination of countless hours in gyms and on hardcourts that got these young men here. The stark change in a family’s economic situation happening in real-time, overnight on camera is stuff that would make reality tv executives salivate.
For the Charlotte Hornets, adding top-tier talent is difficult. Charlotte isn’t a destination city for free agents. So, any free agent acquisition is usually limited to non-superstars. Even former All-stars who join via free agency, are usually paid a premium to play for the Hornets. So acquiring a player that could one of the best at their positions (while doing so at a reduced cost as a part of their rookie contract) is a major asset for the franchise. Recently, the Hornets have done well drafting, particularly in the first round. Mark Williams, LaMelo Ball, PJ Washington, and Miles Bridges (via trade) are all recent first-round selections.
This draft is obviously very interesting, not because the number 1 pick is in question. Everyone knows who will have their name announced first on June 22. But who the team handing Adam Silver that index card has yet to be determined. The draft lottery selection where everyone finds out the NBA draft order on Tuesday, May 16th, will be the largest bit of drama. Because of Victor Wembanyama’s potential, it could mean a franchise-altering moment for the Charlotte Hornets—who have the fourth-best chances to land the Frenchman. And given that the franchise may be sold soon, it could affect who will be the franchise’s owner.
No pressure Hornets fans, it’s just the team’s future at stake.