Two SEC Stars Standing Out in Hornets' Pre-Draft Process

The Charlotte Hornets have the sixth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. It is an excellent opportunity for them to draft another high-end prospect to pair with LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

The new decision-makers in Charlotte have a tough choice to make. Do they go with the best talent or the best fit?

For a team in the early stages of rebuild, it makes more sense to prioritize the best prospect available. Who that is will depend on who is available at No. 6.

Hornets Eyeing Two SEC Stars in NBA Draft

According to Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo of ESPN, the two players the Hornets are considering are Dalton Knecht of Tennessee and Reed Sheppard of Kentucky.

Knecht was one of the best players in the country last season. He is an all-around wing prospect who can shoot and score. His ability to play on or off the ball makes him an intriguing fit next to LaMelo Ball. A potential Knecht-Miller pairing on the wing could be a fascinating duo for years to come.

Sheppard, on the other hand, is a more difficult fit. He is a defensive liability, so his fit next to Ball may be questionable. But he is an elite shooter and doesn't need the ball to be an effective offensive player.

There is a chance neither of these players will be available at No. 6. Does this mean that the Hornets would trade up to select one of these players?

Considering where they are in their rebuilding process, it would not be a smart idea to give up future assets to move up a couple of spots in the draft. Whether the new general manager Jeff Peterson feels the same way remains to be seen.

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