Noted basketball insider Kevin O’Connor recently commented on the decision of the Charlotte Hornets regarding the number two overall pick. According to O’Connor, “all indications” are that Alabama’s Brandon Miller will be the Charlotte Hornets’ selection in the upcoming NBA draft. O’Connor is not the only one recently that has placed Miller over Scoot Henderson. CBS Sports projected Miller as the second pick, and there has been growing discussion over Henderson’s fit with point guard LaMelo Ball.
It’s important to note, neither Brandon Miller nor Scoot Henderson has worked out yet for the Charlotte Hornets. Everything is subject to change right up until Adam Silver announces the pick on June 22nd. And having a player in the building is different from scouting them from afar. Gilbert Arenas had an interesting take on NBA draft workouts of top prospects. Essentially, Arenas thinks that holding workouts devoid of another top-level talent is meaningless.
What will the workouts mean for the Charlotte Hornets?
Perhaps the importance of workouts also isn’t just what appears on the court. They allow one-on-one time for coaches and executives alike to speak with players and get to know more about who they are away from the ball.
Whenever information like this is reported in the press, about a team favoring one player or the other before a draft, there is always the possibility of subterfuge. Lies fly fast and free before drafts. If a team thinks it can improve its position or plans on making a pivot with its team building, it’s required due diligence to see what opportunities may present themselves.
The Hornets are a young team with five draft picks upcoming. While a lot of words have been written on what they will do at the top of the draft, this seems a seminal moment for the franchise to be able to make strides toward immediate goals. And by doing so, their plans may be revealed.