2014 NBA Draft: Predicting Winners and Losers

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May 21, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; NBA team owner

Michael Jordan

announces that the Charlotte Bobcats will change their name and branding to the Charlotte Hornets starting in the 2014 2015 season at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Winner

Charlotte Hornets– The Charlotte Hornets were expected to make a big splash on draft night, but not as much as the one they ended up making. With the ninth pick in the draft, the Hornets were expected to get a second tier rookie (Doug McDermott, Nik Stauskas), instead Noah Vonleh unexpectedly fell in their hands. Vonleh was seen as a top-five pick by most experts and draft sites, yet he fell to a team with an excellent center in Al Jefferson. Vonleh will likely start from day one unless Cody Zeller beats him to the spot. Vonleh is a 6″10 power forward with incredible physical tools, as he has the biggest hands in the draft and a 37-inch vertical. Vonleh can score from the outside and has post moves inside as well.

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The Hornets next selection came at the 26th pick and they selected PJ Hairston. Hairston is an NBA-ready shooting guard that can fill the Hornets void at the two-guard spot. Hairston lit up the D-League last season averaging 21.8 points per game. In order for Hairston to be effective at the next level, he must become more than a good shooter and must improve as a defender and playmaker. Overall the Hornets got the best value for their picks as they got two potential day one starters. After all, they ended up getting a free 55th pick after trading their 24th selection for the 26th pick. The Hornets traded the pick to the Thunder for cash considerations.

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