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Charlotte Hornets: Examining Frank Kaminsky’s Fit & Future

By Nathan Giese

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Frank Kaminsky (Wisconsin) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nine overall pick to the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) reacts after a basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half in the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 6, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Frank Kaminsky (44) reacts after a basket against the Duke Blue Devils in the second half in the 2015 NCAA Men’s Division I Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Quick Overview:

Kaminsky established himself as one of the best players in the country very quickly during the 2013-14 season, scoring a career-high 43 points against North Dakota. His previous high prior to this was 19 points against Illinois the season before.

This jump started Kaminsky’s climb from a seldom-used reserve to a star. His outside shooting gave Wisconsin another dimension to their often lackluster offense.

A big man with a growing offensive arsenal, Kaminsky’s ability to step out and hit from three consistently gave him a growing sense of confidence, which carried him to the top of the college basketball mountain and Wisconsin to consecutive Final Four appearances.

Last season, Kaminsky averaged 18.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and shot 41 percent from three. Seven-footers in college basketball aren’t supposed to be able to have that collection of offensive skills, which made him a hot name entering the draft.

Charlotte had their eyes on Kaminsky early. One thing was clear entering the draft: the Hornets needed to add offense. However, Kaminsky seemed like an odd choice, given that they had just traded away Lance Stephenson for Matt Barnes (later traded to Memphis) and Spencer Hawes.

Hawes essentially does the same things as Kaminsky but with crazier hair styles and a much, much bigger contract.

The Hornets even passed up a huge trade offer from the Boston Celtics in order to draft Kaminsky. What could’ve gotten them six picks, four of them first-rounders, turned into Kaminsky.

Will it pay off for them?

Next: The Good

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