Source: Loren Elliott / Getty
We’re only nine days away from the 2023 NBA Draft, and yesterday, Shams Charania of The Athletic, reported that the New Orleans Pelicans, are interested in trading up to either #2 or #3, to draft Scoot Henderson. Of course, by now you know that the Hornets own the #2 pick, and it isn’t clear what direction they are going next Thursday night. Should Charlotte be interested in trading away the #2 pick, for either Zion Williamson or Brandon Ingram? Both have ties to the area, with both having played their college basketball at Duke and Williamson, being from Spartanburg, SC, and Ingram from Kinston, NC.
This topic was the leading topic on The Kyle Bailey Show today, and as someone who covered Zion’s career at Duke, Bailey isn’t interested in Charlotte making the trade. The main reason is because of Zion’s injury issues, as he’s only played in 114 games so far in his four-year NBA career, but more so, Kyle does believe in the core that Charlotte has, assuming they are healthy next year. Also trading with New Orleans just seems odd, considering the original Hornets relocated there, and the lottery falling their way, when they landed Anthony Davis, and Charlotte got stuck with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. The Hornets are expected to bring back Miles Bridges after a domestic violence issue caused him to miss all of last season. Combine his return, with a healthy LaMelo Ball, Cody Martin, and a budding Mark Williams, Charlotte has a nice blend of young talent, and experience with Terry Rozier, and Gordon Hayward still on the roster. As bad as 2022-23 was, we are just one year away, from Charlotte winning 43 games, which most years in the East, means you’re a playoff team. With that said, you can see the logic in Hornets GM, Mitch Kupchak in running it back one more time.
There were reports earlier this year, that Michael Jordan is selling his majority stake in the franchise. Those reports are expected to heat up as we get closer to the draft, which is next week. Would a new owner try to make a splash right away, and send a message to the fan base that there is new ownership in town? And what if Jordan doesn’t sell? Is Zion the type of guy that would make him go all in, something he hasn’t done since becoming the owner?
Either way, this is the type of move that at least needs to be on the table, and there needs to be a serious conversation around bringing in the type of player, that paired with LaMelo Ball, could change the future and outlook of the organization for years to come.
Make sure to catch The Kyle Bailey Show, every weekday from 3-6 PM, on Sports Radio 92.7 WFNZ, and the WFNZ app.
