The Charlotte Hornets could capture the spotlight at next week's NBA Draft by potentially trading up into the top-3 picks.
The Hornets must prioritize building around talents LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller through the draft, potentially finding a backcourt partner for Ball in the coming days. Yahoo Sports' Jake Fischer mentioned there has been discussion around a trade-up for Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard.
"Detroit and Charlotte hold the Nos. 5 and 6 picks, respectively, in next week’s draft, but only the Hornets have been characterized by league personnel as a legitimate possibility to move up in the draft. Houston at No. 3 could be more interested in moving its selection than keeping it," Fischer wrote. "The Rockets, sources said, plan to entertain offers for the third pick, which could last all the way until Houston is on the clock Wednesday. The Rockets, sources said, are more intrigued by receiving future draft capital than any player who’s been made available to Houston at this point."
Sheppard is a consensus top-5 pick in the class, averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 steals on 53.6% shooting from the field and 52.1% from 3-point range. His momentum-shifting shooting ability would pair flawlessly with the electric play style of Ball, who has dealt with injuries to begin his career. Not to mention his athleticism often grants him an upper hand on defense, despite his smaller frame.
