Each year, the NBA Draft serves as one of the biggest, most exciting events in professional sports. The months between the conclusion of the college season and the start of the draft allow for a ton of intrigue, speculation, and general discussion. Since 2004, this time period also doubles as the window when the Charlotte Hornets figure out the most precise way to shoot themselves in the foot (excluding Kemba Walker and LaMelo Ball). In that span, they’ve drafted only two All-Stars (mentioned above) despite having six selections in the top five and eleven selections in the top ten. The franchise has become a laughingstock of the league, as cursed teams like the Clippers, Kings, Knicks, and even Timberwolves are enjoying success. So, what should Charlotte do'
Let’s first look at the debate between Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson from an objective standpoint. Understandably, Miller is taller and shoots the ball at a higher percentage from beyond the arc. That’s fine, but the same could be said for drafting Marvin Williams over Deron Williams. Let’s use our heads here. Miller should be a very useful player in the league for a very long time. However, when did teams start drafting ‘very useful players’ with the second overall pick' Missing out on Victor Wembanyama doesn’t necessitate the need to make safe, high-floor draft choices this early. The culture in Charlotte is a massive part of the problem. Therefore, why wouldn’t you draft the guy with an incredibly high work ethic and natural leadership ability on and off the court' Sure, he’s a guard (which a lot of people are oddly pointing to), but he’s also just an incredibly dynamic player. Folks are excited to build their case around the fact that guys with Miller’s dimensions “run the league” without actually focusing on the bigger point: Brandon Miller isn’t LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, Kawhi Leonard, or any of these 6-foot-8 superstar wings who can completely dominate games. Great player' Yes. Generational talent' No.
The Hornets have also been rumored in possible trade talks with flipping the second pick for Zion Williamson. If this is a real option, you have to do it. Yes, Williamson’s injury history is obviously a massive concern, but it just feels like a change of scenery would be extremely beneficial. They might get criticized for making such a move, but it’s a universal truth that he’s a top-ten player in the NBA when healthy. It’s unclear if Miller or Henderson even have that type of ceiling (or the ability to control games in his incredibly rare, unique manner). The upside of Williamson and Ball would easily exceed the other potential scenarios, though it comes with obvious risks. It also seems foolish to base a draft selection on Ball’s presence, as it would be truly shocking if he were to stay in Charlotte for the entirety of his second contract. Either way, seeing how this draft unfolds should be worth the anticipation.