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Your Charlotte Hornets finally make their selection in this section of the official ATH writers mock draft.
Picks 1 - 3
Picks 4 -6
Picks 7 - 9
10. Philadelphia 76ers (via Lakers): Miles Bridges
Jonathan DeLong - The 76ers are in the enviable position of adding a lottery selection to a 50 win team. They’ll be looking for someone that can play off Ben Simmons’ and Joel Embiid’s interior games while complementing their stifling defense.
Miles Bridges could slot in to the starting small forward spot if the 76ers elect to start Ben Simmons at the point, or he could come off the bench as a combo forward. Bridges’ ability to hit shots from the perimeter and his athleticism in transition make him a perfect playing partner for Ben Simmons.
11. Charlotte Hornets: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Dylan Jackson - The Charlotte Hornets are in an interesting spot this off-season. With little to no cap room for signing free agents and a mid-tier draft pick like most years, Charlotte has to hit on a player. In this particular mock draft, the best player available is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, a ferocious point-guard out of Kentucky who was arguably the Wildcats’ best player.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a defensive-minded guard who can make switches from one to four with ease. Both his off and on-ball defense is stellar. However, Gilgeous-Alexander will need to improve his frame if he wants to be a great NBA player. SGA’s offensive game is very raw, but his talent, ability, and fluidness are undeniable.
12. Los Angeles Clippers (via Pistons): Collin Sexton
Jonathan DeLong - The trade of Chris Paul to the Rockets left the Clippers with a massive hole at the point guard position. The position was handled by a committee of Austin Rivers, Patrick Beverly, Milos Teodosic, and Lou Williams. Two of those four are natural two guards, and the other two could be free agents this offseason and will both be at least 30 by the time the 2018-19 season gets underway.
Collin Sexton would provide a much needed infusion of tenacity and energy to a team that was the 9th oldest in the NBA last season. He has the ability to be a cornerstone of the franchise’s rebuilding efforts and has a swagger that is perfect for the bright lights of Los Angeles. On top of that, his athleticism will pair very nicely with who the Clippers pick next in this mock.