New Orleans Hornets host workout session for Draft prospects – NBA News
The New Orleans Hornets hosted their first pre draft workout since learning that they will have the number 1 and number 10 pick in this year’s NBA Draft.
The Hornets invited 9 prospects to the training facility to participate in the workout sessions, where they were closely monitored by head coach Monty Williams and General Manager Dell Demps.
The list of invitees included Tyler Zeller and John Henson of North Carolina, Meyers Leonard of Illinois, Arnett Moultrie of Mississippi State and Terrence Jones of the Kentucky Wildcats. All of the above mentioned are forwards
or centres.
Jones is a teammate of the unanimous number one draft pick candidate Anthony Davis and said that he would love to play with Davis for the Hornets.
“I already have a relationship with him, being teammates and winning a national championship together. It would just be a great thing to continue on our next careers together” said Jones.
New Orleans already has a list of big men in their roster, including 6-10 Emeka Okafor, 7 foot Jason Smith and 6-10 Gustavo Ayon. With 6-11 Anthony Davis also most likely to be joining the Hornets, they already have a line up filled
with size. However, they are analyzing more big men in the NBA Draft this year, looking for a player to form a good combination with the roster.
“It's a real possibility. That's why we brought those guys in, because there's so many bigs that can go in the top 10, so we've got to take a look at all of them,” said Williams.
Besides, the players mentioned above, the Hornets also invited guards Austin Rivers of Duke, Jeremy Lamb of Connecticut and Terrence Ross of Washington.
Williams said that the Hornets are looking to build their team around shooting guard Eric Gordon, who they believe is their best player. Gordon is an unrestricted free agent this summer. The team cannot talk to him regarding his
contract till July, but General Manager Demps is quite optimistic about him returning to the Hornets.
"He has always intimated to me that this is the place where he wants to be” said Demps.
Gordon was also present during the workout session organized by the Hornets, where he was seen watching the young players participate. He has shown interest in the future of Hornets basketball before as well.
After a season filled with controversies, the Hornets can finally look ahead to good times. They have a new owner in Tom Benson who is dedicated towards the success of the franchise. They have landed the 1st and 10th
pick in the NBA draft and have some good players on their roster as well. If used correctly and wisely, the Hornets could prepare a roster capable of helping them becoming a playoff qualifying team next season.
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