Charlotte Hornets: 3 reasons Devonte’ Graham was a good pick

CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 22: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during the draft introductory press conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC- JUNE 22: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets poses for a portrait during the draft introductory press conference in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

1. Winning mentality

Devonte’ Graham is a winner, plain and simple. The dude has a bulldog mentality and never takes a play off.

Playing at a school like Kansas under a head coach like Bill Self adds value that can’t be measured in a combine. Playing for four years at a school where winning is expected, not celebrated, develops a mentality that translates into the NBA right away. It doesn’t matter what level you play at, if you’re used to winning, that’s what you want to do. You don’t settle for losing.

With the Hornets being in the weird state that they’re in, they could use more guys with the fiery mentality that Devonte’ Graham has. He’s always having fun and his energy is contagious. If you’ve ever seen him play in person, you know the way he gets the crowd involved in the game.

He also brings a “no fear” element to the game. If you think he’s afraid of big moments or taking big shots, you’re wrong.

Graham won’t feel entitled to anything when he steps into the NBA scene. He’s the kind of player you don’t have to worry about. You know he’s going to work hard, have fun and bring a competitive spirit to every practice and game.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

Those things can’t be measured statistically.