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When the Charlotte Hornets are on the clock with the third overall pick in the NBA draft, the prevailing thought around the league is the organization will be looking to select a big man, with James Wiseman and Onyeka Okongwu the most likely candidates.
The Hornets have been said to be highly interested in drafting Wiseman and believe his talent can be a big addition to the lineup. Charlotte has even been rumored into wanting to trade up in order to have the opportunity to take Wiseman.
Wiseman reportedly doesn’t want to be drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves, leaving the Golden State Warriors as the Hornets’ only likely competition to land the 19-year-old. As a result, the Hornets would likely only need to trade up one spot to take Wiseman.
However, if the Hornets prove unsuccessful in landing Wiseman, the organization would reportedly target Okongwu, according to Jeremy Woo of Sports Illustrated.
What exactly [the Hornets would] be willing to trade to [acquire the No. 2 pick] is unclear, and it’s worth noting the other player I’ve consistently heard linked to Charlotte is Onyeka Okongwu. Okongwu makes more sense in the event the Hornets find a way to trade back, but if they’re unable or unwilling to make a move for Wiseman, he’s a player to keep an eye on.
Of course, Okongwu emerged as perhaps the top defensive center in the country last season and projects to fill a lot of holes for the Hornets. Some teams have even preferred Okongwu to Wiseman so it will be worth monitoring to see what Charlotte does if both players are available.
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