Hornets Mock Draft Roundup 2.0: Experts Predict Picks 2 & 27

What do the experts believe the Charlotte Hornets will do at picks 2 and 27?

From now until June 22nd, there will be a lot of discussion about what the Charlotte Hornets should do with not only the 2nd overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft but the 27th pick as well.

To make things easy for you, we'll gather a handful of mock draft projections each week leading up to the draft to show you what folks are thinking. Here is the second edition of our 2023 Charlotte Hornets Mock Draft Roundup.

Jonathan Givony - ESPN

No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)

"Miller's camp says it is hoping he can do enough on his June 10 visit in Charlotte to convince the Hornets to give him assurances they'll pick him at this spot, something that might hinge more on how he performs in his interview than his workout. He sat down with 12 teams at the draft combine in Chicago, but arrived holding a legal brief written by his attorneys informing teams that he would not be able to comment on specific details regarding his involvement in the lead-up to the fatal shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris. It's the biggest factor holding him back from being the easy choice at No. 2, as many expect to be the case in Charlotte. Miller's fit with Charlotte's roster looks ideal, and he is considered the front-runner here if he can do enough to alleviate off-court concerns."

No. 27: G Brandin Podziemski (Santa Clara)

"Podziemski had an excellent showing in the first game of the NBA draft combine, demonstrating impressive passing creativity, shot-making versatility, and toughness on the glass. There's a clear niche for skilled guards in his mold who bring a strong feel for the game. He shot 45% from 3 this season, which has elevated his stock into first-round territory."

Zach Buckley - Bleacher Report

No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)

"Theoretically, the Hornets have a major decision to make between Brandon Miller and Scoot Henderson, and many feel they have a tier to themselves beneath Wembanyama. In reality, Charlotte's mind might already be made up. Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak seemingly tipped his hand when telling reporters his club could "take into consideration not only the overall talent but also the position."

"Miller is a 6'9" wing. Henderson is a 6'2" wing guard. It isn't hard to figure out the superior on-paper fit with Charlotte's franchise player, LaMelo Ball, a primary playmaker who handled a top-20 usage rate this season. Maybe that's why ESPN's Jonathan Givony found it "hard to find a single NBA executive at the draft combine" who felt Henderson would be taken second overall.

"Beyond fit, Miller might just be a better prospect than Henderson given his size, shooting, and defense."

No. 27: F GG Jackson (South Carolina)

"The Hornets should be chasing upside whenever possible, and Jackson, the youngest player in this class, offers plenty of it. The 18-year-old already has NBA-level strength and athleticism. And while his game lacks refinement, a patient franchise could one day have a versatile defender and explosive scorer."

Brian Mahoney - Associated Press

No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)

"At 6-9, Miller has the size, versatility and 3-point stroke to make him an ideal player for the modern NBA game. The SEC player of the year and tournament MVP as a freshman, Miller would appear to be a good fit playing with LaMelo Ball, though the Hornets, who played without Miles Bridges last season after an arrest for a domestic violence incident against the mother of his children, may have to weigh a negative reaction if they add Miller, who delivered the gun used in a fatal shooting."

No. 27: G Amari Bailey (UCLA)

"Bailey had a strong finish to his lone college season, averaging 16.7 points on 56% shooting in the Bruins’ run to the Sweet 16. The Hornets struggle when LaMelo Ball is out, so the 6-5 guard could be appealing to a team that was fourth-worst in the NBA in scoring."

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