Post-Draft Lottery Mailbag: Scoot vs. Miller, Fit vs. Talent, Rozier on the Move? + More
The NBA Draft Lottery this past week answered a lot of questions for Hornets fans.
The lottery could've put the Hornets outside of the top three but instead, they landed at number two. The Hornets were projected to go forth, so moving up two spots was quite ideal. With the NBA Draft less than one month away, there are still a lot of questions to be answered.
Let's take a look at the questions I received from my followers over at CharlotteHornetsOnly (Instagram page) regarding the NBA Draft and the tough decisions the Hornets will have to make.
Should Hornets fans be happy about getting the 2nd pick?
100%. There shouldn't be a single Hornets fan that shouldn't be happy with where the Hornets ended up. Sure, it can be a little bittersweet coming that close to Victor, but the Hornets easily could've fallen to the 6th or 7th pick. Now, they have a chance at selecting either Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller.
Do you believe that Scoot is head and shoulders above Brandon Miller?
I believe Scoot is a better player and has a higher ceiling, but I wouldn't go to the extent to say that he's head and shoulders above Miller. However, I am of the opinion that the Hornets should draft Scoot at two because he's the best available.
Should the Hornets lead more toward talent or fit?
The Hornets should draft by talent and not by fit. If they draft Miller because they believe he fits better with the team, instead of that they think he's a better player, then that will be very disappointing. It's been proven over the years that drafting for fit has never worked.
Does Miller not interviewing well matter, when the same was said about LaMelo?
I don't think it matters as much as some people make it out to be. Most of the time, it could be just a way for a team to try to get him to fall to their pick. However, if true I don't think it's too important because it matters more about what they put out on the court.
Is there any legitimacy to the LaMelo/Scoot fit problem?
I understand the concerns about the fit between the duo, but LaMelo has spent a good portion of his time with the Hornets off-ball. Scoot is also not a player that requires the ball 24/7. I think both players could easily adapt and make it work without any problems. Also, I believe it would be good for the team to have another finisher at the rim, which seemed to be one of the biggest areas where the Hornets struggled last season.
Do you see Scoot Henderson becoming a three-point threat?
I don't think Scoot will ever be known for being a three-point shooter, but I believe he will be a guy that can make two to three three-pointers a game in the first couple of seasons of his career. He doesn't have a hitch in his jump shot and his free throw percentage (76.4%) and his mid-range game indicate he can develop an outside shot.
Is there potential for Terry Rozier to be traded this offseason if the Hornets decide to draft Scoot Henderson?
There's certainly a good possibility for the Hornets to look to unload Rozier and his contract this summer. To put it into perspective, the Hornets looked to trade Rozier at the deadline but were obviously unable to make a deal happen. It will be interesting to see how the Hornets handle that situation if they draft Scoot, but to me, it appears clear that they will look to trade him.
Do you think the Hornets should pack some of their draft picks in some sort of trade?
The Hornets wouldn't be very smart if they didn't decide to make at least one or two trades with their other draft picks. The Hornets are at a point now where they don't need to draft a large selection of young guys. What they could do is package a couple of the second-round picks and try to get a higher first-round pick or they could package pick 27 with a player and move up or get another player. The Hornets have a lot of options in the draft this year.
How could Scoot Henderson benefit the Hornets?
Scoot Henderson can positively impact the Hornets in many ways. Whether it is his ability to attack the rim or take advantage of his athleticism and speed in transition, he can do it all. He's still working on developing an outside shot, but I believe that will come. He's a generational talent and it's hard to pass up on that, especially since he's already got an NBA body.
How could Brandon Miller benefit the Hornets?
Brandon Miller is an intriguing prospect and with his size (6'9") and ability to shoot the ball, it's hard to look away. The Hornets could definitely use a guy at the forward position that can create shots for himself and shoot over about anyone that tries to contest him. However, he should look to add some more muscle because he struggled shooting at the rim (46% inside the paint).
Would you say Miller and Scoot's draft comparisons are legit?
Brandon Miller draft comparison: Paul George/Brandon Ingram - I'd say it's fairly accurate because of his size, playmaking, and ability to shoot at his size. It will be interesting to see how successful he is early on in his career.
Scoot Henderson draft comparison: Derrick Rose mixed with prime Russell Westbrook - I believe it's accurate because of his athleticism and ability to create for his teammates. Hopefully, he develops a consistent jump shot to give him an edge.
Is there anyone else in consideration for the second pick for Charlotte?
I know Mitch Kupchak will probably evaluate all of the players within the top-five range, however, I feel like it will come down to Scoot and Brandon Miller. I don't believe the Thompson twins are very close on a talent level to Scoot Henderson and Brandon Miller.
Should the Hornets consider trading back to pick three?
Yes, but only on one condition, which is if they believe Brandon Miller is the better player and that the Blazers would take Scoot Henderson. Then the Hornets could get another asset and get the player they want at three.
Could Steve Clifford potentially stunt either Brandon Miller or Scoot Henderson's growth?
I never have believed in the whole Steve Clifford doesn't believe or play rookies. I don't think Clifford will stunt either of these two players.
Will the decisions the Hornets make in the NBA Draft impact their free agency?
The moves they do or don't do in the draft will certainly play a role in free agency. I think you look at a guy like Kelly Oubre Jr and I believe what the Hornets do in the draft will have a major role on if he is back or not. Also, the moves they make within the draft could impact how much spending money they have in free agency, if they're unable to unload a bigger contract with one or multiple of the picks.
You can follow us for future coverage by liking us on Facebook & following us on Twitter:
Facebook - All Hornets
Twitter - @SI_Hornets and Austin Leake
