NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for Charlotte Hornets

CHARLOTTE, NC- MAY 11: Charlotte Hornets General Manager, Mitch Kupchak introduces James Borrego as Head Coach of the Charlotte Hornets during a press conference in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 11, 2018 at the Spectrum Center. 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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3. Miles Bridges (Michigan State)

In just about every 2018 NBA Draft mock draft, the Charlotte Hornets and Miles Bridges have likely been paired together in one iteration. With Nic Batum’s mounting injury woes and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist’s jumper still missing in action, wing help is a glaring need for the Hornets. Bridges, most likely, will still be on the board when Charlotte picks and if they want to play it safe then this is their guy.

Bridges showed the ability to play some small forward after staying at Michigan State for the second year. The results were mixed for the most part. Bridges is probably best suited for a small ball four position in the NBA. If the team remains committed to Howard as their center, placing a versatile athlete like Bridges next to him could be the best way to make it work going forward.

Bridges provide floor spacing similar to Marvin Williams and Frank Kaminsky, but the former Spartan offers more versatility defensively than either of Charlotte’s front court mainstays. Bridges will likely be able to guard 1-4 in the NBA whereas Williams and Kaminsky are mostly sticking with forwards. Getting as much versatility on the floor as possible should be a huge part of Borrego’s identity given his extended time coaching with Gregg Popovich and the San Antonio Spurs.

A Kemba/Kidd-Gilchrist/Batum/Bridges/Howard lineup gives the Hornets three switchable 6-foot-6 and taller wings (a hot commodity in today’s NBA) while Kemba and Batum can work as playmakers for the other three and Walker, Batum and Bridges would provide floor spacing to open the lane for Howard and a slashing Kidd-Gilchrist.

If the new front office has faith in the current core as constructed then taking Bridges is their best option. However, it is unlikely that a team goes through a complete overhaul like the Hornets did with the intent to stick with the norm going forward.

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