NBA Pre-Draft Showcase 2025: Charlotte Hornets Run Individual Drills for Four Prospects
Gearing Up for the 2025 NBA Draft: A Closer Look at the Charlotte Hornets' Prospects
Get ready for the NBA draft chaos! The Charlotte Hornets have been industriously scouting potential draft picks, with their sights set on the 2025 draft and their fourth overall pick, plus two second-round selections. Let's dive into the pool of prospective talents that might be donning the Hornets' jersey soon.
Steven Crowl and Chucky Hepburn:The Hornets recently hosted a pre-draft workout, and among the invitees, we've got Steven Crowl, a 7-footer from Wisconsin, and Chucky Hepburn, the 6-foot-2 guard from Louisville. While Crowl may not make it to the draft, he's got a strong chance of landing a spot on a team or joining the G League. The Hornets have a soft spot for Wisconsin players, having drafted Frank Kaminsky a decade ago. Keep an eye on Crowl, as he's had workouts with the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets too.
Hepburn, on the other hand, didn't receive an invite to the NBA draft combine but shined at the NBA G League Elite Camp. A former Cardinal, Hepburn became a sensational sensation this season, averaging career highs of 16.4 points, 5.8 assists, 3.5 rebounds, and 2.4 steals per game.
Jalon Moore and Javon Small:Jalon Moore, a 6-foot-6 forward, spent his first two seasons at Georgia Tech before transferring to Oklahoma. Moore put up career highs with the Sooners in 2024-25, averaging 15.9 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 30.3 minutes.
Javon Small, a Mountaineer from West Virginia, just delivered one of the best individual seasons ever seen at the university. Despite West Virginia's disappointing omission from the NCAA Tournament, Small still racked up an impressive 18.6 points, 5.6 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals per game, while shooting 41% from the field and 35% from 3-point territory.
A bonus talent to watch is Dillon Jones, who the Hornets reportedly hosted, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Jones has already worked out for the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, and San Antonio Spurs.
Jones is one of the most underrated players in the 2024 draft class. Over four years with the Wildcats, he averaged 15 points and 9.6 rebounds per game, breaking records every step of the way. This season, he posted career highs of 20.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.0 steals per contest.
The 2025 NBA draft is set to take place on June 25-26 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. With a blend of defensive prowess, athleticism, and flair for growth on their roster, the Hornets are keeping their eyes on the prize. Stay tuned for more exciting news as draft day approaches!
Insights:- The Hornets' upcoming draft prospects align with their current roster needs and development strategy, focusing on defensive prowess, athleticism, and growth potential.- Some top prospects being considered by the Hornets for the first round include VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey, and Dylan Harper. In the second round, there's a possibility of selecting Hansen Yang, Labaron Philon, or Adou Thiero.
- The Hornets have shown interest in NBA draft prospects with basketball skills, as shown by their pre-draft workout with Steven Crowl, a 7-footer from Wisconsin, and Chucky Hepburn, a guard from Louisville.
- Notably, Chucky Hepburn, despite not getting an NBA draft combine invite, stood out at the NBA G League Elite Camp and averaged impressive stats during his college career at Louisville.
- Jalon Moore, a forward previously at Georgia Tech and now with Oklahoma, and Javon Small, a standout player from West Virginia, are also on the Hornets' radar, with Small delivering one of West Virginia's best individual seasons in recent years.
- Dillon Jones, a player who reportedly had a workout with the Hornets, is an underrated talent in the 2024 draft class, having averaged 15 points and 9.6 rebounds per game over four years with the Wildcats.
