Hornets Mock Draft Roundup 4.0: 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 fourth edition of our 2023 Charlotte Hornets Mock Draft Roundup.
Jonathan Givony/Jeremy Woo - ESPN
No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)
"Scoot Henderson helped his standing in Charlotte with a highly impressive workout this past weekend in front of the Hornets' front office and coaching staff. He showed an impressive level of conditioning, intensity, explosiveness and shot-making that portend good things for him later. Still, many signs continue to point toward Miller being the pick at No. 2, both due to his clean roster fit as much as the front office's belief in his long-term talent. The Hornets have conducted due diligence in Tuscaloosa to help ease concerns around Miller's involvement in the Jan. 6 fatal shooting of Jamea Jonae Harris. The possibility of New Orleans (who are fans of Henderson) offering Brandon Ingram in a trade for the No. 2 pick could shake things up potentially on draft night, but it's still too early to say whether that is a realistic possibility."
No. 27: F Olivier Maxence-Prosper (Marquette)
"Prosper has had a strong pre-draft process that has solidified him as a prospect in the 20s, as his defensive versatility, length, budding shooting and upside are what many teams are looking for in the latter portion of the first round. Which direction the Hornets go might depend on what they ultimately decide to do with the No. 2 pick. They also have three second-round picks (Nos. 34, 39, 41) that could potentially be packaged to move up into the early 20s if there's a player they covet, or trade for future assets since it's unlikely for them to have five rookies on their roster next season."
No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)
'Shams Charania reported on Monday that the New Orleans Pelicans are pushing to trade for a top pick, and they’re targeting Henderson. What if the Hornets could get North Carolina’s own Brandon Ingram, plus the 14th pick and multiple future firsts? Ingram would be a great fit next to LaMelo Ball, plus the Hornets would pick up more draft capital. For now, I’m keeping Miller slotted here since all reports have suggested that’s the direction the Hornets are leaning. Miller brings playmaking skill on top of his go-to scoring prowess."
No. 27: F Kris Murray (Iowa)
"After the Hornets draft Brandon Miller early, let’s roll with another forward here. After all, Gordon Hayward won't last forever, and both Kelly Oubre Jr. and PJ Washington are free agents. Murray could slide right in and receive early minutes like his twin brother, Keegan, did for the Kings as a rookie."
Colin Ward-Henninger - CBS Sports
No. 2: G Scoot Henderson (G League Ignite)
"Given the positional redundancy with LaMelo Ball, I understand why many experts expect Charlotte to go with the better-fitting Brandon Miller here. I just think Henderson is a significantly better prospect, and the Hornets are in no position to be picky about fit at this point. Henderson is as dynamic of a guard prospect as we've seen, and one source told me that while it's not likely, he wouldn't be SHOCKED if Henderson ended up having a better NBA career than Wembanyama. High praise, indeed."
No. 27: F Rayan Rupert (New Zealand Breakers)
"The Hornets could use defensive help, and that's the main skillset that Rupert brings to the table with his massive 7-2 wingspan from the forward position. He should easily guard 1-3 at the NBA level, and his quick hands lead to a lot of deflections and steals. Offensively he has a long way to go, but he's fast enough to get out in transition and finish at the rim while he develops his shot."
No. 2: F Brandon Miller (Alabama)
"When talking to people around the league, I came away thinking it doesn’t sound like the Hornets are bluffing in seriously considering taking Miller over Scoot Henderson at No. 2. For the record, I like both prospects a lot. I’d just have a hard time passing on Henderson — even with LaMelo Ball leading the way in Charlotte — because of his athleticism, feel for the game and competitiveness."
No. 27: No prediction.
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter:
Facebook - All Hornets
Twitter - @All_Hornets and Schuyler Callihan at @Callihan_.
