Charlotte Hornets: 2018 NBA Draft grades

No. 12: Miles Bridges, Michigan State

The 11th overall pick of the draft turned into pick No. 12 for the Hornets thanks to a swap with the Los Angeles Clippers. The Hornets originally selected point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) at No. 11, but then the Clippers came calling.

SGA would have been a good combo guard to pair with Kemba Walker in the backcourt, or even could’ve cleared the path for the Hornets to trade Walker, but the Clippers wanted him instead. The teams flipped their picks and L.A. added two future second round picks in the deal. With the swap of picks, Charlotte added Miles Bridges, who was likely the team’s top target to begin with.

Bridges stands at 6’7″ and boasts a near 6’10” wingspan. Bridges could do some damage playing the small forward position, but at 230 pounds, he could bang on the boards with some of the more physical forwards currently in the NBA.

Bridges will provide a lot of versatility for the Hornets as well. He can live under the rim, grabbing rebounds all night and posting insane numbers, but he can hit shots from the perimeter as well and moves well with or without the ball.

The Charlotte Hornets likely got the better end of the trade in this situation, especially in a league where versatile wings are always high in demand. While SGA could have fit with Kemba, picking up Miles Bridges will give this team a lot of options both offensively and defensively.

Grade: A-