The Charlotte Hornets haven’t had much success in the NBA since their addition to the league in the 1988-89 season.
A crucial reason behind it is missing out on some generational bigs during the NBA Draft. There has been a total of four occasions, including the 2023 NBA Draft, where the Hornets have had to settle with the second overall pick. To their misfortune, each time, the team above them drafted a generational big man.
In the 1992 NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic landed the first overall pick and drafted Shaquille O’Neal with it. The Hornets had to settle for Alonzo Mourning with the second overall pick.
Next, the Hornets missed out on drafting Dwight Howard during the 2004 NBA Draft. Once again, the Orlando Magic had the first overall pick. As for the Hornets, they had to settle with Emeka Okafor.
Less than a decade later, the Hornets (technically the Bobcats) landed the second overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. This time around, they missed out on drafting Anthony Davis, who went to the New Orleans Pelicans (then known as the New Orleans Hornets). The Hornets, on the other hand, drafted Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Now, in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Hornets once again have the second overall pick. Considering Victor Wembanyama is the consensus first-overall pick choice, the Hornets will most likely get Scoot Henderson. The San Antonio Spurs have the first overall pick in the draft and will undoubtedly select Wembanyama with it.
The Hornets Potentially Lost $500 Million After Failing To Land Victor Wembanyama
The Charlotte Hornets are in a tricky situation right now. They have missed the playoffs for seven straight seasons, and their fortunes could have turned out if they had gotten the first overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Unfortunately, the pick went to the Spurs. Apart from losing the touted best player of the future generation, the Hornets also missed out on $500 million.
The reason is that Wembanyama is so talented that he’s expected to add $500 million to the net worth of the franchise that drafts him.
It is certainly a bittersweet week for the Hornets. As they are taking losses on and off the court.
We sincerely appreciate and respect you as a reader of our site. It would help us a lot if you follow us on Google News because of the latest update.
Thanks for following us. We really appreciate your support.
