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The 2023 NBA draft has arrived, and these are the players drafted by the Charlotte Hornets.
#1, Charlotte Hornets, Brandon Miller (Forward, Alabama Crimson Tide)
Selected with the No. 2 pick, Miller averaged 18.8 points per game (43.0% shooting, including 38.4% from 3-point range) and 8.2 rebounds. He is listed as a 6-foot-9 forward and has a perimeter game going for him. The Charlotte Hornets selected Miller over guard Scoot Henderson as they assessed who would fit best in the roster.
The upside is there for Miller as the Hornets see a potential all-star caliber type of player in him, as reported by ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.
#2, Charlotte Hornets - Nick Smith Jr. (Guard, Arkansas Razorbacks)
Selected 27th overall, Smith Jr. averaged 12.5 ppg (37.6% shooting, including 33.8% from 3-point range). The 6-foot-5 guard only played one year with the Arkansas Razorbacks that dealt with a number of injuries. His injuries during the 2022-23 season with the Razorbacks hampered a promising season.
Nick Smith Jr. even decided to come back into the season, instead of sitting out the rest of the way in preparation for the draft. Be that as it may, he is a fast guard that can get to the rim with ease. The upside for a slasher-type of player is there.
#3, Charlotte Hornets - James Nnaji (Center, FC Barcelona Bàsquet)
Selected 31st overall, Nnaji averaged 4.9 ppg (67.1% shooting) and 3.0 rpg. He played four seasons for the FC Barcelona Bàsquet. The Hornets acquired the Nnaji through the Celtics' previously owned 31st pick as they send picks 34 and 39 to Boston.
The 6-foot-11 center isn't really known for his offense, as seen from his stats. However, he made his strides at the defensive end which gained him some traction from scouting reports. With some athleticism on his side, James Nnaji is also a lob threat option.
#4, Charlotte Hornets - Amari Bailey (Guard, Duke Blue Devils)
Selected 41st overall, Bailey averaged 11.2 ppg (49% shooting, including 38.9% from 3-point range) and 3.8 rpg. The 6-foot-5 guard spent one year playing for the Duke Blue Devils as he is the second guard in the draft class selected by the Hornets.
Amari Bailey has the potential to be a combo guard or even a team's third-stringer, depending on how his situation with the Hornets pans out.
It is yet to be determined if these draft picks will remain with the Hornets or be packaged in a trade deal with another team.
