The 2023 NBA Draft takes place on Thursday, June 22, as both rounds are wrapped up in one night. As it approaches, TGH will be taking a quick look some teams’ draft strategies, and shedding some light on what direction they will go with their picks.. Here is the Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft profile for 2023.
Summary
The Charlotte Hornets finished with a record of 27-55 in 2023. That record was good enough for last in their division and second-worst in the Eastern Conference. Now that they have missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, they own the dubious honor of the longest active NBA playoff drought.
2023 Draft Picks
The Hornets have five picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
First Round (two picks):
- Pick #2
- Pick #27
Second Round (three picks):
- Pick #34
- Pick #39
- Pick #41
Team Needs
- Scoring
- Defense
- Depth
Projected Targets (first three picks)
Pick #2: Scoot Henderson, G, G League Ignite
Unfortunately for the Hornets, they fell one spot short of grabbing Wembanyama. On the flip side, they’ll get (arguably) the second most highly-touted prospect as a consolation prize; Scoot Henderson.
Being heralded as the next Westbrook and Rose, Henderson is a 6-foot-2 guard that wants to get to the rim and slam it down with authority. Size has never held his two comps back, and it won’t with Henderson, either. He’s a human highlight reel that injects life into any offense he’s a part of. He’ll have to work on his three-point shooting and shot selection, but those are really the only downsides to his profile as of now
Pick #27: Rayan Rupert, G, New Zealand Breakers
Rupert is not a scoring threat in today’s NBA, at least he won’t be on Day 1. He’s a defensive project that needs to feel out NBA offense to become a consistent role player. Although, if he does, then opposing teams will have a problem on their hands.
A 6-foot-6 guard with professional experience under his wing overseas, Rupert is a defender that will harass other players both on and off the ball. He’s ideally sized, and can easily defend from the one all the way to the three with ease. If he pans out, it could be a culture setting move for Charlotte.
Pick #34: Terrence Shannon, Jr., F, Illinois
Shannon is another defensive prospect that is very streaky, but could add some scoring if schemed correctly. Once he gets hot, he can continue to take advantage of opposing defenses because he understands defense so well.
He is a catch-and-shoot three point professional who can use that fear to slash to the basket and finish impressively. Shannon isn’t exactly a shot creator and will need polish, but, again, his defense will show up on his plus-minus stats from tipoff.
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