College NIL was designed to help student-athletes get financial compensation even while they are still at the amateur level. The system is far from perfect, with some folks saying that it has negatively impacted the college game. While it hasn't had a major effect on the NBA so far, that may change this June.
For the longest time, NBA teams had plenty of choices, even in the second round of the draft. Naturally, not all of the prospects selected that far along in the draft stay long in the league. Still, there are risks that have paid dividends for some franchises, especially since second-round picks come with cost-effective salaries.
However, with NIL, the number of draft applicants has dwindled. Some of them had gone through the early processes of the draft before deciding they are not yet ready to turn pro.
So, for an organization like the Charlotte Hornets, who have two early second-round selections, the odds of landing a gem have consequently decreased.
College NIL has changed the NBA draft landscape
The Hornets own the Nos. 33 and 34 picks, which they must use to improve roster depth. They should be looking for various player types, including additional shot-creators, playmakers, point-of-attack defenders, and frontcourt floor-spacers. The front office can't address all those needs via the draft, but it is certainly a cheap way to try.
Charlotte can also opt to trade either or both picks. However, with the current reality of the draft, the assets' value might not be as high as expected.
Some prospects have already withdrawn from the draft. Who can blame them when they have the opportunity to earn millions more, secure more playing time, and be treated as stars in college? Among the notable names that have decided to return to school are Darrion Williams, a seemingly younger version of Hornets glue guy Grant Williams, and Boogie Fland. Jonathan Givony of ESPN described this year's class as "one of the shallowest second rounds" in recent years.
That doesn't sound well at all for Charlotte, an organization that has historically not been a prime destination for stars and highly sought-after role players and needs the draft more than many other squads.
A silver lining for the Hornets is that, in addition to owning early second-round selections, they have the fourth overall pick. So, unless they do something crazy on draft night, they have a high chance of acing the draft. Their scouts just have to work double time and more diligently.