Hornets Players Most Impacted By The 2023 Draft
If Scoot Henderson is Picked at #2...
Terry Rozier
Regardless of what the coach or general manager says to Terry Rozier, if Scoot Henderson joins the team, both Rozier and his agent will understand that his time as a starting player in Charlotte is likely coming to an end. It might not happen immediately after the draft, but eventually, a similar situation to what happened with Devonte Graham when LaMelo Ball was drafted could occur.
LaMelo Ball
If the Hornets decide to draft Scoot Henderson, it could lead to a substantial change in LaMelo Ball's role going forward. Throughout his three NBA seasons so far, Ball has exclusively played as a point guard. However, with Henderson on the team, that is likely to change. Due to Ball's superior outside shooting but lack of explosive first-step and quickness, he may be better suited of the two to transition to the shooting guard position.
Dennis Smith Jr
Smith Jr became a beloved player among the fans during the previous season. However, if Scoot Henderson joins the Charlotte Hornets, it's understandable that both Smith Jr and the team might consider parting ways in a friendly manner. Smith Jr has earned less than $21 million throughout his career, and this upcoming season could be his last opportunity for a significant payday after a successful performance in the 2022-2023 season. With both LaMelo Ball and Scoot Henderson on the team, there won't be many available minutes for Smith Jr to play, and even if he were to play as a shooting guard alongside them, it wouldn't necessarily improve Charlotte's struggling offense. It's evident that Smith Jr enjoyed playing for Steve Clifford, the coach, and his Hornets teammates last year, so a return as a veteran leader cannot be completely ruled out, but it might be unlikely.
If Brandon Miller is Picked at #2...
Kelly Oubre
The team's general manager, Kupchak, has expressed a desire to retain some of their free agents, and Kelly Oubre is someone they would like to bring back. However, if Brandon Miller is selected, it seems unlikely that Oubre, as an unrestricted free agent, would want to return to Charlotte and play behind Hayward, Bridges, and potentially Miller.
Gordon Hayward
If Miller is drafted, it could affect Gordon Hayward in multiple ways. He might find himself coming off the bench, or if he continues to start, his playing time and number of games played could decrease with Miller available as a capable replacement. Hayward has only one year remaining on his contract, worth $34 million. There is a possibility that he could be traded on draft night or during free agency, as many teams are looking to reduce long-term salary commitments due to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) that imposes additional penalties on heavy spending.
PJ Washington
It seems highly likely that Miles Bridges will return to Charlotte next season. Therefore, if Brandon Miller is drafted, PJ Washington's future with the team is more likely to be impacted. It's unlikely that the Hornets would let him leave without receiving any compensation, but a sign-and-trade deal could be considered if the team's general manager, Kupchak, believes that the wing/forward group consisting of Miller, Hayward, Bridges, and Thor would become overcrowded.
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