One year ago, it looked like the Charlotte Hornets were in serious trouble. Now, thanks to the unexpected development of a couple of youngsters, they’re actually in a pretty good position.
Devonte’ Graham is a legitimate NBA starting point guard. He’s good in the pick-and-roll. He plays hard on defense. He has unlimited range on his jumper. He’s the real deal. P.J. Washington, the 12th pick in the 2019 NBA Draft is another guy Charlotte can build around. He’s a perfect four for today’s NBA.
That’s why Devin Vassell is the dream pick for the Hornets. He’s a shot-creating, three-and-D wing who should be ready to make an impact right away. A Graham-Washington-Vassell trio is a really nice place to be for the Hornets in their post-Kemba Walker life.
The Washington Wizards did a nice job in the 2019 NBA Draft, adding Rui Hachimura and Admiral Schofield to their Bradley Beal-centered roster. Hachimura is a guy I didn’t really like at this time last year, but he had a nice rookie season and proved he’s a capable NBA four.
That means the Wizards can skip out on a guy like Obi Toppin at this point in the 2020 NBA Draft and go with a guy like Isaac Okoro.
Okoro is a big-bodied, strong, defensive-minded wing who will thrive at the three and can even log some minutes at the four when the team goes small (e.g., Hachimura at the five, Okoro at the four). He’s not going to be a superstar, but he’ll help his team win games.