Five Draft Prospects the Charlotte Hornets Could Get In The Second Round (via Trade)
If the Hornets trade into the second round of the NBA Draft, here are some players they might take a look at.
The second round isn’t the sexiest part of the draft, but every year quality role players emerge in the back half of the NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets don’t currently own a second round pick. However, second rounders are easy to acquire for the price of a future pick or even cash considerations. Below are five sleeper options that the Hornets ought to consider acquiring in the second round.
Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia Big
The Hornets need interior defense and Ugonna Onyenso offers exactly that. Onyenso is a six-foot-eleven, springy athlete that is a proven shot blocker. Averaging 2.9 blocks per game last season, Onyenso impressed me with his ability to block almost any shot. Offensively, he’s limited but can serve as a lob threat early in his career.
If drafted by Charlotte, Onyenso will likely need time in the G League to get stronger and refine his offensive game. Despite his shot blocking prowess, Onyenso can be moved around on the block. Filling out his frame would elevate Onyenso from an intriguing two way prospect to a legitimate rotation big off the bench.
Onyenso alone won’t fix Charlotte’s defense, but he has the tools to be a key piece for the defense that most second rounders can’t match. If the Hornets are patient with him, then acquiring a mid second round pick to secure Onyenso would be a worthwhile project.
Quadir Copeland, NC State Point Guard
There are very few players as fun as Quadir Copeland in this year’s class. As a six-foot-five point guard who can drive, pass, and has the tools to defend there’s a lot to like about Copeland. Even if Charlotte retains Coby White, I believe it’s worth investing in a backup point guard due to LaMelo Ball’s injury history.
Copeland is quite effective at using his strength to drive downhill and score inside. He also looks very comfortable spraying the ball outside to the corners when the defense collapses and ran the pick and roll well at NC State. Furthermore, he’s adept at drawing fouls when he drives inside. When he’s playing smart, Copeland looks like a capable NBA point guard.
The issue with Copeland is he can play reckless at times. Copeland averaged 2.8 turnovers per game last year and often tried to make overly aggressive passes. Cutting down on those turnovers will be crucial to making it at the NBA level. Defensively he also plays out of control at times with unnecessary fouls and jumping for steals too aggressively. Still he’s a long, switchable defender who could become a valuable asset with good coaching.
The other major issue is Copeland’s shooting. His 39.7% three point percentage at NC State is deceptive. While his form improved last year, he shot on low volume and only when wide open. If defenses aren’t forced to respect Copeland’s three point shot, much of his ability to drive and kick passes out to the corner is reduced. Still, he’s worthy of a mid second round investment for Charlotte on a two way deal.
Dillon Mitchell, St. John’s Wing
Defensive wings are always valuable and the Hornets are in need of that type of player. Dillon Mitchell fits the bill as an athletic, versatile wing, similar to Michigan’s Morez Johnson, who’s a favorite among many Hornets fans. If Charlotte can’t land Johnson, Mitchell is a second project that would provide some of that defensive impact.
When looking for quality defenders, I always look for length, athleticism, and defensive engagement. Mitchell possesses all three and can be a switchable, NBA level defender from day one. He can also fight through screens, jump through passing lanes, and contest shots at a necessary level.
The problem for Mitchell is his offense is as limited as any draftable prospect this year. Outside of layups and dunks, Mitchell isn’t a scorer at this point in his career. Entering the league as a non-shooter is especially problematic and it will likely take years to fix the jump shot. The concern with Mitchell is without a jumpshot, he could be unplayable.
If there’s any solace in Mitchell’s offense, it is his ability to impact the game without scoring. Making smart passes and crashing the glass, Mitchell finds ways to do the little things right to compensate for his lack of scoring. That will have to continue as he works on his scoring ability.
There’s a real possibility where Mitchell is never playable at the NBA level. He’ll assuredly need a year or two in the G league on a two way deal to try to improve his offense. However, if he can develop some scoring ability, Mitchell can be a staple off the bench thanks to his defense. I would take a flyer on Mitchell anytime in the middle of the second round to roll the dice on the St. John’s wing.
Felix Okpara, Tennessee Big
As a proven SEC big, Okpara is tailormade to be a quality backup big. The Hornets need defense inside and Okpara would address that need with his interior presence. Okpara is a fluid athlete with shot blocking instincts, which should translate to give him a role early.
One of my favorite things about Okpara’s game is his ability to impact shots around the rim. While he only averaged 1.5 blocks per game, offensive players struggled with Okpara’s athleticism and instincts in the paint. Dropping him into the Hornets’ rotation gives Charlotte a real interior defensive presence that raises the floor.
Offensively, Okpara leaves a lot to be desired, which is why he’ll be available in the second round. As a screener and lob threat Okpara showed promise. Beyond that however, Okpara is an offensive liability. Okpara isn’t much of a threat to shoot and nothing good happens when he’s asked to go get a bucket. Okpwara will need to spend significant time in the G League working on his offensive fundamentals. Even so, Charlotte should consider moving into the second round to acquire Okpara’s services.
Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee Point Guard
Sticking with the theme of Tennessee prospects, Ja’Kobi Gillespie has all the makings of an NBA backup point guard. Measuring in just under six feet tall without elite athleticism, Gillespie will be fighting an uphill battle in the NBA. However, Gillespie makes the most of what he has to work with.
Gillespie was tasked with orchestrating Tennessee’s offense last season and did a good job. While the Vols typically aren’t a great offense and needed him to save possessions throughout the year, Gillespie managed to hit tough shots inside and outside. With proper NBA structure around him, I expect Gillespie to thrive with better shots available.
Gillespie’s handle is genuinely impressive and uses it to make up for being an average athlete. For an undersized guard, this is a must have. As Gillespie adjusts to the NBA level, he projects to be a dangerous presence on the perimeter and capable of running the offense off the bench.
Despite his impressive offensive skill, the reality is that Gillespie’s size and athletic traits will limit his upside. He would likely struggle if forced into action as a starter, which the Hornets will need to factor in with Ball’s injury history. In the event Ball misses time, Coby White would likely need to start rather than Gillespie if White resigns this offseason. Still, Gillespie gives plenty of effort defensively and could get by as a defender when facing opposing teams’ bench units.
Gillespie is one of the biggest names projected to go in the second round this year, so Charlotte would need to acquire a top 45 pick rather than a top 60 pick if they want him. Still, every team needs a quality player to run the second team offense and Gillespie fits that role well. He’s a talented offensive playmaker and likely wouldn’t need as much time in the G League as the other options in this list. If Charlotte wants to pair a White with a quality offensive piece, Gillespie would pair well with him and be a worthwhile pick.
The Hornets have done well already in the second round with Sion Jams and Ryan Kalkbrenner contributing as rookies last season. If Jeff Peterson is interested in dipping into the second round again this season, there are plenty of options that would make for valuable role player in Charlotte.