In most NBA circles, Scoot Henderson was the presumptive pick with the second overall pick in the most recent draft. That doesn’t mean that the team that landed the second overall pick had to select him.
They didn’t. The Charlotte Hornets shocked the world by selecting Brandon Miller at that position. It was an understandable choice. The Hornets are built around LaMelo Ball. They felt as if they didn’t need another lead ball-handler. More than anything, this was an investment in their best player.
Fair. With that said, the Hornets need a backup point guard. Terry Rozier is a good player, but he’s more of a scorer than anything else. With that in mind, could the Hornets flip him for D’Angelo Russell of the Los Angeles Lakers this summer?
The Trade Proposal
Charlotte Hornets Receive: G D’Angelo Russell, F Taurean Prince
Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Terry Rozier
Of course, the Hornets’ decision was surely controversial. How could it not be? As a general rule, teams have regretted drafting for fit over taking the best player available.
If you need proof, look at the Lakers’ LeBron James’ draft class. In many respects, it mirrored this most recent one. There was a generational prospect who’d go first – Victor Wembanyama is widely seen as the most anticipated prospect since James. After that, there was a presumptive second-overall pick who wouldn’t ultimately be selected second.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
The Detroit Pistons passed on Carmelo Anthony. Instead, they selected Darko Milicic, If you’re a historian of the game, you know the Hornets are hoping their decision to take Miller doesn’t work out the same way. Does this deal help the Hornets set him up for success?
Why The Charlotte Hornets Do The Deal
Perhaps. Still, that’s not the driving philosophy behind this deal for Charlotte. More than anything, they’re doing it to save money. Rozier still has a few years left on his deal.
So does Russell, but he makes considerably less. Meanwhile, Prince is on an expiring deal. This is a financial decision for the Hornets. With that said, it could have basketball benefits as well. The Hornets need a backup point guard. At times, Rozier’s ball-dominant brand of scoring has clashed with Ball.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
Following this deal, the Hornets could keep a strong playmaker on the floor for all 48 minutes, and add a solid 3-and-D wing like Prince. Should the Lakers give so much up for Rozier?
Why The Los Angeles Lakers Do The Deal
Meanwhile, this is purely a basketball decision for the Lakers. They’re getting the best player in this deal. Moreover, he’s the type of player who’s thrived alongside James before.
We’ve seen him succeed with score-first guards. If you can space the floor and create your own shot, you can thrive in a James-led system. Rozier ticks those boxes. The Lakers can’t make this move immediately. They just extended D’Angelo Russell, so they need to wait until the trade deadline to move him. That’s perfect.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Terry Rozier, Charlotte Hornets & Los Angeles Lakers Updates
If the Lakers are having a strong season, they may not want to rock the boat. On the other hand, if they’ve got room for improvement, they may benefit from sending the Hornets their new backup point guard.
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