Hornets Mock Draft Roundup 3.0: Experts Predict Picks 2 & 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 third edition of our 2023 Charlotte Hornets Mock Draft Roundup.

Gary Parrish - CBS Sports

No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)

"Reasonable minds can disagree on whether Miller or Scoot Henderson is the second-best prospect in this draft because most believe it's very debatable. What's less debatable is that Miller is a better fit with franchise point guard LaMelo Ball, and that's among the reasons Charlotte should probably go that direction."

No. 27: F Olivier-Maxence Prosper (Marquette)

"Prosper emerged as a real first-round option thanks to a wonderful performance at the combine. He has a 7-1 wingspan and can be a versatile defender thanks to a motor that runs full-speed."

Jonathan Wasserman - Bleacher Report

No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)

"League sources tell B/R that there are execs in Charlotte’s front office who see a star wing in Miller. Miller’s 6’9″ size, shooting, live-dribble passing and defensive tools make him a lower-risk prospect, in terms of sheer talent.

"It’s not as clear how high the Hornets are on Scoot Henderson, and whether they see a fit with LaMelo Ball. But some scouts around the league have cooled on Henderson throughout the year.

"With 33-year-old Gordon Hayward entering the final year of his contract, Miller may have an edge at No. 2."

No. 27: G Coly Jones (Xavier)

"If the Hornets take Brandon Miller, a big, defensive guard who can pass should look appealing at No. 27. Jones could handle the ball behind LaMelo or play a Swiss Army Knife role at either position."

Jonathan Givony/Jeremy Woo - ESPN

No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)

"Pairing

LaMelo Ball

with Scoot Henderson is far from an impossible task, but it is one that would take time to find chemistry for the guards on both ends of the floor, particularly on defense. Many NBA executives feel that Henderson's hunger for scoring will eventually make him more of a combo guard better suited playing with a pass-first point guard such as Ball. It's very difficult for young guards in his mold to avoid being net negatives early in their career, however, especially with the inconsistency he has shown with his perimeter shooting, decision-making and defensive intensity.

"Miller's fit on the Hornets is without question cleaner, considering how little talent Charlotte has on the wing. His ability to make shots in dynamic fashion from all over the floor, create for others off a live dribble, defend multiple positions and generally play the big guard/wing role every NBA team covets currently gives him the edge for me in terms of fit and long term."

No. 27: G Colby Jones (Xavier)

"With this pick, Charlotte should be looking for role players who can complement Ball and whomever it takes at No. 2, preferably players whose value doesn't hinge on their offensive usage. Jones is a true gadget player who can playmake, handle and shoot without hijacking an offense, competes defensively, and should be ready to contribute in relatively short order."

Kevin O'Connor - The Ringer

No. 2: Brandon Miller (Alabama)

"All indications suggest the Hornets are leaning toward Miller with this choice as a partner for LaMelo Ball. I’d go in that direction too over Scoot Henderson because Miller brings playmaking skill in his own right, on top of his go-to scoring prowess."

No. 27: GG Jackson (South Carolina)

"Jackson has canceled some recent workouts, according to league sources. That could be because he has received a promise from a team in the late teens or early 20s."

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