Charlotte Hornets: 5 options for pick No. 55 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Luke Askew
1. Devonte’ Graham, PG — Kansas
- Height: 6’2″
- Weight: 175 lbs
- Age: 23
Devonte’ Graham is easily one of my favorite prospects (in relation to where he’ll likely be selected) in this entire draft.
The four-year guard out of Kansas got to learn from the best while playing next to Frank Mason III for three years before finally getting to run the show his senior year. His senior year, Graham averaged 17.3 points, 7.2 assists and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 40.0 percent from the field and 40.6 percent from 3-point range.
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I can’t stress enough how perfect Graham would be for the Hornets. Heck, he’s even from North Carolina.
He would provide the Hornets with the backup playmaker they so desperately need and would also have a nice opportunity to learn from Kemba Walker (someone with a similar playing style).
Graham needs to work on finishing at the rim before he can become a legitimate player at the next level, but his ability to create shots for his teammates and space the floor with his incredible shooting is something a lot of players don’t have.
Another asset that Devonte’ Graham has is his pit bull mentality. The dude simply doesn’t quit. I’ve watched a lot of Kansas basketball and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen him take a single play off in his entire four years at Kansas.
Here’s an example of his defensive tenacity and ability to push the floor and find open looks for his teammates (this is from his junior season):
Once again, it’s impossible to know at this point if Graham will be available that late in the draft. Some experts have him going in the early second round, while others have him falling pretty far.
Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft - Doncic still No. 1 in post-lottery edition
If the Hornets get lucky, they could potentially land the perfect prospect for them with the No. 55 pick.