Hornets down to choice between two players with No. 2 pick, GM says - ESPN

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — General manager Mitch Kupchak said the Charlotte Hornets likely will use the No. 2 pick in the NBA draft on one of two players, but he also didn't totally rule out trading down.

Kupchak didn't identify the two players, but ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported earlier this week that the Hornets are down to Alabama forward Brandon Miller and G League Ignite guard Scoot Henderson, both of whom were in Charlotte for a private workout Monday.

«I anticipate that we would take the pick at 2, but I'm not going to rule out the possibility that we wouldn't trade the pick,» Kupchak said Wednesday at a pre-draft news conference. «It's a very coveted pick in our league right now. You would be surprised at some of the phone calls and players that I believe would be available.

»So up until the last minute, we are going listen, but at this moment I do expect to take the pick at 2."

Miller is believed to be the better fit for the Hornets' roster because Henderson plays the same position as LaMelo Ball, the No. 3 overall selection in 2020. Kupchak said however that the Hornets, who haven't made the playoffs since 2016, aren't focused on fit.

«I don't think we're at the stage where we're good enough to focus on fit,» he said. «Next year, knock on wood, we're healthy, we might be getting close where we could look a little bit more to fit.

»But right now, it's about adding the best player that we could possibly add to the team.… We're going to take the player that we feel is best for this organization going forward."

Kupchak said he didn't gain a lot more insight getting a second look at Miller and Henderson on Monday, when outgoing owner Michael Jordan also was present.

«I've been looking at these players the whole year,» he