June 20, 2025 • 24 mins
Eric Pincus from Bleacher Report stops by to preview the upcoming draft with Sam Farber. The two take a deeper look at potential draft picks from the international pool, and also discuss the current roster construction of the Hornets and what kind of player would be a good fit for the franchise.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the Hornets Hoovecast, presented by Charlotte I ear
nosen Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host, Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornets I've cast your
Hornets podcast with all the notes quote san daily buzz
around your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam Farber and it
is a pleasure and a privileged to have you with
us here once again on the hornetside Cast, brought to
you by Santa Charlotte I ear nosen Throat Associates, the
official I ear nosen throaw Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets.
We continue our build up towards the NBA Draft, now
(00:36):
a pad a week away.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Believe it or not.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
We'll have you covered, of course on Draft Day as
well as the day's after, getting you introduced to all
of the Hornets picks and let you hear from the
front office as well. This series is geared towards introducing
you to some of the potential lottery picks that the
Hornets are likely deciding from at the top of the draft.
We've had some great experts on already, including Tim Reynolds,
(01:00):
the Associated Press, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, and we'll
have more leading up to Draft Day. Today, we welcome
in for his maiden voyage here on the HHC, Eric
Pinkas of the Bleacher Report. He's going to help us
break down some of the foreign born top lottery prospects
in this draft and give us his take on the
status of the Charlotte Hornets franchise, as well as the
(01:22):
profile of a twenty twenty five potential draft pick as well. So,
without further ado, let's welcome here to the Hornets Pope
cast from the Bleacher Report, Eric Pinkas. Eric, thanks so
much for the time.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Oh happy to do it. Thanks having me on.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
We're going to talk about a specific subset of the
draft prospect pool shortly here, but I wanted to start
off asking you about the class as a whole. I've
heard it come very highly regarded by a lot of
experts out there, some pointing towards the upper echelon the
all star talent on it, others saying the depth of
the class is particularly special. Where do you view this
(01:58):
year's draft class and strengths relative to its recent peers?
Speaker 4 (02:03):
Well, you know, I'll say that I don't know if
it's unique to this year, but we have some rule
changes at the NCAAA level name image and likeness. So
what we're seeing as that last deadline came for players
to withdraw is that we did have a good chunk
of players leave the draft because they're getting above board
money from the university to stay, and it's become enough
money that maybe if you're a second rounder or you're
(02:26):
not sure if you're going to be in the lottery,
you might go back to school. So I think some
of the depth deeper into the draft got diminished late,
but I think first round talent, and don't get me wrong,
there's a lot of solid players all the way through.
There's a lot of nice prospects, players who can develop
into reliable NBA pros. But I do think the depth
of it shrunk, but not as much on the high
(02:47):
end or the front end as much as.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
The back end.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Is there the potential that with those changes at the
college level, the players staying in the draft are maybe
more mature, more ready to tackle the NBA and maybe
not force franchises to commit so much of their roster
towards development way into the future. Everyone's obviously always developing,
(03:12):
but maybe with more of a one year glide path
towards becoming your best version of yourself versus needing more
time than that.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
You know, I think if we put a panel of
NBA executives or scouts or whatever and ask on that question,
we would probably have like an hour long conversation, like
it's a great question, because I don't know the answer,
and I don't think that there is a singular answer,
because some players might be in a college program that's
not really prepping them properly for the NBA, and then
there's some college programs that are really good prepping you
(03:42):
to the NBA. And then it's going to depend on
the work ethic of the player. Where if you've never
received significant money and now suddenly you do have significant money,
does that change your drive? You know, there's a lot
of questions on that, but I'd say from the ballistic
point of view, the top of the draft is usually eighteen,
nineteen twenty year old kids, and you know, you know,
obviously they're adults, but you know.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Young adults.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
And later in the draft it tends to ski a
little bit older, right where if you're drafting in the
middle of the second you might be looking for a
player who's twenty one, twenty two to twenty three who's
ready to play. You're a playoff team, you getting a
young prospect that needs three years to really blossom may
not be the answer. So if you're saying that those
(04:23):
young guys are now getting more time to develop and
instead of rushing out too early when they're not ready,
you can absolutely make the case that when they come
they're going to be more ready to play, and not
only when they get drafted, they'll probably be drafted to
better teams and arguably ready.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
To just jump in and contribute.
Speaker 4 (04:40):
So, you know, it's a very good question because it's
going to be a varied answer. I don't know the
long term impact, but it's fascinating to see how it unfolds.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
A lot of theory. At present, we'll see what the
reality is. I guess in a couple of years. Looking
at the international pool of prospects, international players have really
dominated both the draft and the in certain respects over
the last handful of seasons. From the draft standpoint, the
last two number one overall picks, of course, have come
from the European club model both French players, and then
(05:12):
in terms of success on the floor in the NBA,
be it MVPs or contributing to championships, we've seen players
like Nikola Jokic and Janasante Takumpo. Albeit neither of them
were top ten picks, but obviously if we were re redrafting,
they certainly would have been. What is it about the
foreign pool historically, this current generation and maybe even this
(05:33):
year that excites you in terms of the growth of
the game.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
What's great is that, like there was a time when
they had the Dream Team and Michael Jordan, know, those
Magic everyone. They went and they played overseas and just
really globalized the game.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
But the competition back then was low.
Speaker 4 (05:49):
And you know, you fast forward ten twenty years suddenly
like those Seeds created these incredible generations of players, and
you know, the spread of the game, spread the level basketball,
and so the world is sort of equalized, and it's
a bigger place than just America. There's a lot of
people in America, but there's also a lot more people
in the world, and so we've been blessed from the
(06:11):
point of view of finding talent and opening doors to
different styles of play and I don't know that there's
a Nicola Jokic because he's a unicorn and Janis is Yiannis,
and when he came in, it was like, oh, wow,
this kid. I was shocked he fell as low as
he did, because I'm like, man, I would have gone
a little higher. Now. I don't know if I would
have said he's going to be an MVP and a champion,
(06:32):
but just the raw talent and size and looking at
this class, I mean, it's hard to just say, oh
that you're going to have another one of these elite players.
But there's a healthy dose littered all throughout the draft
top high, middle, all the way through the second and
I'll be deep into the to the end of the
draft of talent from countries all over the world. With
(06:53):
Victor women Yamas, the French influx of players has been
really fun to see and exciting. I'm excited to see
if women Yama can be that next guy. But I
don't know that there's anyone so jump out. But obviously
Nicol Jokis didn't jump out right, So I think it's
a question of finding which one of these players. And
I'll probably let you say their names more because I'm
going to butcher them.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
I'm not bread at that.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
I will do my best not to butcher a couple
of them. In our next segment, coming up next, Eric
Pinkus breaks down some of the top foreign born prospects
for the twenty twenty five draft class. That's after this
quick break here on the Hornetive Cast, our series of
draft preview podcast continues. We're looking at the foreign born
(07:34):
lottery prospects today with the Bleacher reports Eric Pinkus. He'll
help us break down the potential of a couple players
that have gotten a lot of lottery buzz here in
the weeks building up to the NBA Draft. And a reminder,
you can check out some of our previous podcasts talking
about other subsets. Looked at the old Big twelve Texas
Oklahoma Corridor guards, guys like Trey Johnson vj. Edgecomb. We've
(07:58):
talked about the Big ten Wings players like Harper and
Bailey coming out of Rutgers. So plenty to check up
on if you want to go back through the archives
here of the hornets Hive Cast. But we're talking to
Eric today about some foreign born players. Interestingly enough, some
of the biggest names amongst the foreign born players do
have American college basketball ties. Maybe some of that is
(08:19):
the new rules regarding nil or maybe there's just a
little bit more emphasis to come to the States and
develop that way. But whatever the reason is, some of
the bigger names do have ties to the US. And
one of them that we're going to start with here
is Agor Demon out of BYU, a wing originally from Russia. Eric,
what can you tell me about him and his game?
Speaker 4 (08:39):
Well, he's a wing, but he also has playmaking skills,
so he can be a big guard. He's six', nine
so we're in that, range so we're obviously you, know
you Think Luka doncic is you, know the peak of
that big guard type. THING i don't know that he's
got that kind of ceiling or, upside but he's a
really interesting.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
PLAYER i think.
Speaker 4 (08:57):
All of these young guys in, college if you want
a straight line up of, like they got better every
single game and by the end of the, season you
know they were the best players that ever.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Lived it's you're getting up and.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
Down BUT i think things have seen enough Of demon
to see he has potential as a. Shooter he's got
defensive potential because he has the. Size if you put
him at guard with a long, wingspan that could be
really interesting. Combinations so he's. FLUCTUATED i would say where
some people have him really, high some people have him
later in the.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
Lottery i'm curious see where he.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Lands BUT i think he's one of the more intriguing
prospects out, there.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Whether you're looking at him from a potential to be
An All star or what kind of role you would
see for him a couple of years down the line
if he were playing on a playoff, team what role
you would have from one of the top two or
three scorers to defensive. Stopper what kind of future do
you envision For deman if he hits all the high, notes.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Well like if you can become more, consistent because he
is more of a, Creator so it's a. CHALLENGE i,
mean Obviously halliburton and. Whatnot like if you're a creator
that can also, score that's when you start to skyrocket
Into All star Or ALL. Mba SO i think demon
comes in as like a really unique player who can
help a. Team Because i'll just, say like The, knicks
(10:13):
really really good, team don't have they didn't have a
lot of playmaking throughout the, roster so they were heavily
dependent On, brunson And Josh hart was maybe their next
best assist, guy or even their best assist.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
Guy it's when you have.
Speaker 4 (10:23):
Additional players who maybe aren't the central that can create
that can really. Changing so that's kind of WHERE i
See demon as a really, strong complimentary, starter assuming he
hits all of those. Marks, obviously if the scoring comes
with it and he really becomes like a high level,
score now you start to reach a different.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Tier another big name coming From. Europe this one has
been playing In, Europe Noah assange out Of. France what
is it about him that's got people giving him some lottery?
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Buzz, well first of, All i'm impressive on getting the
name Because i've had trouble with that, one AND i
know it doesn't seem that, hard but that's one THAT
i just can't seem to.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
Nail but he's in.
Speaker 4 (11:02):
Development it's one of those things WHERE i don't know
that he comes in right away as a finished. Product
he's a combo. Forward he's got upside on both sides
of the. Ball he can even play some small ball.
FIVE i, mean if he doesn't have tremendous. Size obviously
he is under two hundred, Pounds, so, like you, know
this is a growth. Thing usually when players get to the,
league they you, know after a year in the, gym
(11:24):
they start to add some size and some. Bulk so
if he can get you, know enough strength in, there
then he might be able to. Play he has potential as,
rebounding he's a switchable forward on. Defense he needs to
improve his ball handling and. Shooting so it's one of
those things where there's a lot of raw material. There
but and he could go as high as like he
(11:44):
may be out of the names that you, ask he
might be the highest out of this entire, group just
based on that upside of who he is as an,
athlete as a potential, score he's good in the open,
forward he's an improving body, control can, finish can get.
Downhill he just has a long way to go because
he's you, know AS i, said this is this is
one of the younger, kids AND i can almost call
(12:04):
him a kid because he's actually. Eighteen so, yeah you,
know you're drafting at this high off of, POTENTIAL i
think more than anything. Else whereas we talked about like
The vets coming in the twenty two twenty three twenty.
One like later in the, draft this is where you're really,
saying Like i'm A, Gm i'm projecting that this kid
becomes like you, Know Swiss Army knife can do a
(12:26):
bit of everything and be a high impact player in
like three or four. Years it just might take two
years from to really get to where you want to
see that potential and then three or four for him
to really start to.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Blossom one more foreign born, player and this is another
one who came to THE us to play his college,
Ball casparis jacquushonas out of The illinois the playmaking guard over.
There seeing him ranked very high on many draft boards
from some of the experts out, there like yourself and,
others you, know certainly putting him in a first round.
Speaker 3 (12:56):
Mix what is it.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
About him his game that has him a lottery.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Pross, well he's super talented as a lead guard with
good size for. It in, theory he can be the
point guard on a teams as he gets used to
THE nba at six,' six so you know we're Seeing,
with haliburton you're seeing size of that position can really
be helpful and he can shoot over. Shorter defenders he's, got,
speed strength.
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Footwork like.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
He's talented he's got A, i iq a strong, decision
making he can, grab steeles has that, good hands. Good
length he still needs to work on those defensive instincts,
and timing which is absolutely appropriate for an eighteen. Year
old it's one of those things where you know some
players their hallmark will be defense and they're going to
get drafted off, of that but most of the players
who are high.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
Are not it's. The opposite they're drafted off with their.
Speaker 4 (13:42):
Potential offensively obviously there's some exceptions, to that but this
is where he needs to just blossom. And grow he's
got a fundamentally sound game and has a really strong.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
Foundation to build.
Speaker 4 (13:52):
Off of so a big point guard in this league
can be so valuable because you can't target them when.
Speaker 3 (13:56):
THEY'RE small i mean Mentioned like brunson or some of these.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Smaller guards they get, picked on And even aliburton that
his size gets picked on a.
Speaker 3 (14:03):
Little bit but you have.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
That advantage luca gets picked on with, his size but
you have, the size and the size is so important
because you can as, a coach you can work with
a player with size a little bit more at that Guard,
position defensively even if they're not, a SHUTDOWN and i
do Think that aspers has he has. Defensive potentially he's
not going to just be lost. Out there it's just
going to take.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Some time those are a couple of the internationally born
players that have a lot of, lottery buzz but it's
been regarded as a very. Deep draft, I'm, curious eric
and it doesn't have to be just, international players but.
Speaker 3 (14:35):
From the whole field.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Of applicants are there any names that have not been
routinely mentioned as lottery projected players that you would be
excited about both the follow on draft night and the
early stages of.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
Their, career well we could stick with the theme a.
Little Bit Nolan Treire saint quentin is an interesting guard
may or may not get to, that lottery might be first. Round,
pick AGAIN if i put your any these names. Forgive
Me joan BEHRINGER From kk setevita. Another interesting he's, a
center young, kid eighteen needs to grow a bit in
(15:09):
terms of bulk, and size but he's good six. To
Eleven ben saraff is another who Is from Ratio farm Home.
In germany Who's another he's a six foot. Six guard
there's some talent all the way through, the DRAFT and
i just, YOU know i think the difference, from however many,
years ago is that teams have greater trust in going
with the international player because we've seen that. It works
(15:30):
shay is technically an international Player. From canada like we
have so many incredible players in, this league and it
just makes the game better to open up those doors
and find the talent wherever it. Might be if you
bring it and you want, to win and you want
to work hard and you want, to play it shouldn't
matter where you're. Coming from it just matters if you've got.
That potential, so yeah it should be a. Fun draft
i'm excited to see how all the, players land but
(15:51):
there's definitely a nice group of international prospects coming into.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
This class one segment left to go on this episode Of,
The hornets I've Cast eric pinkas Of The bleacher report,
with us and we're going to talk about the state
Of the hornets coming up next here On, The hornets
I've Cast sam Farber and eric pinks Of The bleacher
report here with you on this episode OF. The hhc
counting Down to draft day just days. Away now can't
(16:16):
wait to see Who the. Hornets select both first and,
second round and of course we'll have conversations With the
hornets front office and you'll hear from those players as
soon as they arrive In The queens city on the.
Following morning we'll have that audio for you here On
the hornets Iivee cast eric. Personal aside YOU and i
go way back back to my days On The, west
coast and one thing you were always always expert at
(16:37):
was kind of the business of, the game specifically how
you manage, the cap how you. Manage assets and that's
one of THE things i wanted to ask, you about
is we look towards, the future both near term and
long term For. The hornets how do you evaluate How
the hornets look not just on the floor when healthy
in terms of, their talent but the amount, of assets
(16:58):
the quality of assets that they have accumuls and what
that might speak for the future of.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
The, FRANCHISE well, i mean fans weren't thrilled with, the
result right because you want your team to be in.
The playoffs but there were a lot of injuries this
year and that's been the toughest thing for this roster
in terms of just. Staying healthy but when you, look
ahead they have some key decisions. To Make If LaMelo
ball is your, star player he's certainly absolutely, talented player
(17:23):
what do you build around him that? Ittects him so
you need to make sure you, Have defenders you need
to make sure you. Have shooters you probably want to
have a secondary ball handler so that he doesn't have to,
do everything, et cetera, Et cetera and so those decisions
have to Come With, mark williams who is eligible for
an extension. This summer they don't have to give him,
an extension they could wait till. Next year the rest of, the,
(17:44):
players though there's not a lot of long, term commitments
so that, you know do they Commit To? Mark williams
and then none of the other players are under contract
past a couple, Of years so it's really a question.
Of direction do you start to invest heavily now and
build a? Winning product is there a pathway? To that
are their, trade options which you know not to go through,
(18:05):
each player but some players have. To, Leave Obviously, brandon
miller his injury was devastating because he was having such a.
Great year he's not under long term, contract yet but,
you know my expectation is is that he's going to
be on the cornets for a very, long time and
so how does? That work how do you build around?
That nucleus and when it comes to, draft picks they
have a few extra.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
They have all of.
Speaker 4 (18:25):
Their own they have some future compensation coming in one
extra pick in, twenty six two and, twenty seven and
some of these picks may or may not hit those
years because. Of protections so they have enough that if
there was an opportunity to make, a trade they do
have some. Draft capital and so from a point of
view of, the books they're not tied down to these.
(18:47):
Massive contracts they have their, own picks they have some.
Other picks they have plenty of second, round compensation which
are usually helping, smaller deals but they are very helpful
in getting. Things done they have plenty of picks in,
this draft a couple of high seconds and then obviously.
Number four so it's really a question of direction and,
you know finding the right combination, of pieces then what
(19:09):
is the? Way forward and these are DECISIONS that i
think the front office inherited some, of them some of
them some of the decisions they made in. Their tenure since,
taking over they have a lot to DECIDE and i
think some of it is, about PACING and i know fans.
Are impatient you want to just go immediately, to win
but the most important thing is to do, It sustainably
so you don't want to, Just oh hornets made the
(19:29):
play In or hornets made, the playoffs and you. Get
around but it came at a cost of. The future
so finding, that balance they're strongly suited to. Move forward
they're in a much better place than a lot of
teams when it comes. To flexibility it's just a question
of identifying that path forward and.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Then executing health was one of the elements, you'd mentioned
and Obviously the hornets have had frankly rotten luck when
it comes to health over the last couple, of seasons
but it has brought About opportunity charlotte landing a top
five pick. This year they've done that before when They
got Brand, and miller and so there's maybe a higher
echelon of player that's been available For the hornets, to
(20:06):
draft seeing as they've been picking in the top five
or six in three of the last, four years as
opposed to other places where maybe it's not as likely
to land the same caliber. Of player but looking towards,
next season maybe this team is one draft away in
terms of those players, directly contributing but whether they're ready
(20:27):
to do so, or not how much would good health
go towards spelling out where exactly this? TEAM is, i
mean might that just be the answer That like Detroit
With kid cunningham or other franchises who had some bad
luck it seemed in terms of health and then finally
got healthy and there was. The breakthrough Could the hornets
be next on?
Speaker 4 (20:45):
That, list Well the pistons are obviously the model for
teams that go from high lottery, to playoffs and you
don't want it to be like tasting that inside straight
if you, know poker where it, happens sometimes but it's
not likely. To happen that doesn't mean it can't. Happen
here because just right off, The Bat mark williams has
missed a ton of time earlier in.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
His career he had more help.
Speaker 4 (21:05):
This year and it's not just, being, hurt, like okay
yes it's, a bummer but the player loses, development times
so it stunts. Their development doesn't mean they can't make.
That up it means that they're a little. Bit behind
and that's not to Say that mark isn't a very good,
player already it's that we haven't really seen what he
can be given enough time to really develop. Into that
(21:25):
and so if he can take that step forward as
a rim protector and, a scorer and you have the,
high flying fast Pace of LaMelo And then miller who's
just emerging to be a go to, wings score big,
wings scorer and if he can really take ownership on
defense is like Comparisons To paul george and. His prime
(21:47):
if he can be that kind of guy who can
not only drop in twenty twenty five but also guard
the best opposing wing or even pick up. The guard
now you've got. That trio the rest of, the group
there's a combination of development that needs. To happen You Have,
miles bridges who's a. Professional scorer you have a good Vet.
(22:08):
In Nurkic josh green, Is talented he's had high level
experience With. The Mavericks grant williams, saying, me like there's some,
talent here it's just you add in one more.
Speaker 3 (22:18):
High pick does it? All fit can they? GET stops
i think that was really the hardest part.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
Last year, but again we didn't really know who they
were because they, were hurt so. YOU do i think
if this team, is healthy they are competing With. THE
pacers i don't know that that's, the CASE but i
don't think it needs to be. The case you got
to take. Steps forward maybe it won't be as big
a leap As, the pistons but it would be great
to See this hornet's franchise take a step forward so
that you can see positively the nucleus forming and, saying
(22:44):
yes there's. Something here now the front office can say
this is what we need to add to get it
over that hump and make them, a viable consistent.
Speaker 2 (22:53):
Postseason, Contender, well eric we can't thank you enough for
your inside and analysis both of the draft class and Of.
The Hornets, hope lee we'll be seeing you At the
hive sometime soon for a game in the catchup. In
person thanks so much for joining us here On The
hornets hive.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Cast anytime thanks for.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
Having me that's going to do it for this episode OF. The,
hhc again a reminder, for you we do have several
other draft preview episodes in. The archives you can check
In With tim reynolds Of The, Associated Press bobby MARKS,
of Espn And michael Scotto Of hoops hype breaking down
a variety, of Players From ace Bailey And dylan Harper
(23:27):
of RUTGERS. To vj Edgecombe And. Trey johnson we've got
basically every position group in every region of the country
and international now players covered, for you so check them
all out ON the hhc as we build Up Towards,
draft day and of course we'll have that covered for
you as well here On The Hornets.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Hive cast with.
Speaker 2 (23:45):
Thanks Again To eric Pinkas Of bleacher report for, Joining Us,
rob longo, our producer for putting this, podcast together and
most of all to all of you for. Tuning In
I'm sam farber saying it's been a pleasure and a
privilege having. You along we'll talk to you next time
right here On The.
Speaker 1 (23:58):
Hornets hoodcast thank you for Listening To The, hornets podcast
brought to You, by santa the official I Ear nosen
throatcare provider Of The. Charlotte hornets for, more Coverage visit hornets.
Dot com
Welcome to the Hornets Hoovecast, presented by Charlotte I ear
nosen Throat Associates, the official I ear nosen Throatcare provider
of the Charlotte Hornets. Here's your host, Sam Farber.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Welcome to another edition of the Hornets I've cast your
Hornets podcast with all the notes quote san daily buzz
around your favorite NBA team. I'm Sam Farber and it
is a pleasure and a privileged to have you with
us here once again on the hornetside Cast, brought to
you by Santa Charlotte I ear nosen Throat Associates, the
official I ear nosen throaw Care provider of the Charlotte Hornets.
We continue our build up towards the NBA Draft, now
(00:36):
a pad a week away.
Speaker 3 (00:37):
Believe it or not.
Speaker 2 (00:38):
We'll have you covered, of course on Draft Day as
well as the day's after, getting you introduced to all
of the Hornets picks and let you hear from the
front office as well. This series is geared towards introducing
you to some of the potential lottery picks that the
Hornets are likely deciding from at the top of the draft.
We've had some great experts on already, including Tim Reynolds,
(01:00):
the Associated Press, Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, and we'll
have more leading up to Draft Day. Today, we welcome
in for his maiden voyage here on the HHC, Eric
Pinkas of the Bleacher Report. He's going to help us
break down some of the foreign born top lottery prospects
in this draft and give us his take on the
status of the Charlotte Hornets franchise, as well as the
(01:22):
profile of a twenty twenty five potential draft pick as well. So,
without further ado, let's welcome here to the Hornets Pope
cast from the Bleacher Report, Eric Pinkas. Eric, thanks so
much for the time.
Speaker 3 (01:33):
Oh happy to do it. Thanks having me on.
Speaker 2 (01:34):
We're going to talk about a specific subset of the
draft prospect pool shortly here, but I wanted to start
off asking you about the class as a whole. I've
heard it come very highly regarded by a lot of
experts out there, some pointing towards the upper echelon the
all star talent on it, others saying the depth of
the class is particularly special. Where do you view this
(01:58):
year's draft class and strengths relative to its recent peers?
Speaker 4 (02:03):
Well, you know, I'll say that I don't know if
it's unique to this year, but we have some rule
changes at the NCAAA level name image and likeness. So
what we're seeing as that last deadline came for players
to withdraw is that we did have a good chunk
of players leave the draft because they're getting above board
money from the university to stay, and it's become enough
money that maybe if you're a second rounder or you're
(02:26):
not sure if you're going to be in the lottery,
you might go back to school. So I think some
of the depth deeper into the draft got diminished late,
but I think first round talent, and don't get me wrong,
there's a lot of solid players all the way through.
There's a lot of nice prospects, players who can develop
into reliable NBA pros. But I do think the depth
of it shrunk, but not as much on the high
(02:47):
end or the front end as much as.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
The back end.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Is there the potential that with those changes at the
college level, the players staying in the draft are maybe
more mature, more ready to tackle the NBA and maybe
not force franchises to commit so much of their roster
towards development way into the future. Everyone's obviously always developing,
(03:12):
but maybe with more of a one year glide path
towards becoming your best version of yourself versus needing more
time than that.
Speaker 4 (03:20):
You know, I think if we put a panel of
NBA executives or scouts or whatever and ask on that question,
we would probably have like an hour long conversation, like
it's a great question, because I don't know the answer,
and I don't think that there is a singular answer,
because some players might be in a college program that's
not really prepping them properly for the NBA, and then
there's some college programs that are really good prepping you
(03:42):
to the NBA. And then it's going to depend on
the work ethic of the player. Where if you've never
received significant money and now suddenly you do have significant money,
does that change your drive? You know, there's a lot
of questions on that, but I'd say from the ballistic
point of view, the top of the draft is usually eighteen,
nineteen twenty year old kids, and you know, you know,
obviously they're adults, but you know.
Speaker 3 (04:02):
Young adults.
Speaker 4 (04:03):
And later in the draft it tends to ski a
little bit older, right where if you're drafting in the
middle of the second you might be looking for a
player who's twenty one, twenty two to twenty three who's
ready to play. You're a playoff team, you getting a
young prospect that needs three years to really blossom may
not be the answer. So if you're saying that those
(04:23):
young guys are now getting more time to develop and
instead of rushing out too early when they're not ready,
you can absolutely make the case that when they come
they're going to be more ready to play, and not
only when they get drafted, they'll probably be drafted to
better teams and arguably ready.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
To just jump in and contribute.
Speaker 4 (04:40):
So, you know, it's a very good question because it's
going to be a varied answer. I don't know the
long term impact, but it's fascinating to see how it unfolds.
Speaker 2 (04:48):
A lot of theory. At present, we'll see what the
reality is. I guess in a couple of years. Looking
at the international pool of prospects, international players have really
dominated both the draft and the in certain respects over
the last handful of seasons. From the draft standpoint, the
last two number one overall picks, of course, have come
from the European club model both French players, and then
(05:12):
in terms of success on the floor in the NBA,
be it MVPs or contributing to championships, we've seen players
like Nikola Jokic and Janasante Takumpo. Albeit neither of them
were top ten picks, but obviously if we were re redrafting,
they certainly would have been. What is it about the
foreign pool historically, this current generation and maybe even this
(05:33):
year that excites you in terms of the growth of
the game.
Speaker 4 (05:37):
What's great is that, like there was a time when
they had the Dream Team and Michael Jordan, know, those
Magic everyone. They went and they played overseas and just
really globalized the game.
Speaker 3 (05:46):
But the competition back then was low.
Speaker 4 (05:49):
And you know, you fast forward ten twenty years suddenly
like those Seeds created these incredible generations of players, and
you know, the spread of the game, spread the level basketball,
and so the world is sort of equalized, and it's
a bigger place than just America. There's a lot of
people in America, but there's also a lot more people
in the world, and so we've been blessed from the
(06:11):
point of view of finding talent and opening doors to
different styles of play and I don't know that there's
a Nicola Jokic because he's a unicorn and Janis is Yiannis,
and when he came in, it was like, oh, wow,
this kid. I was shocked he fell as low as
he did, because I'm like, man, I would have gone
a little higher. Now. I don't know if I would
have said he's going to be an MVP and a champion,
(06:32):
but just the raw talent and size and looking at
this class, I mean, it's hard to just say, oh
that you're going to have another one of these elite players.
But there's a healthy dose littered all throughout the draft
top high, middle, all the way through the second and
I'll be deep into the to the end of the
draft of talent from countries all over the world. With
(06:53):
Victor women Yamas, the French influx of players has been
really fun to see and exciting. I'm excited to see
if women Yama can be that next guy. But I
don't know that there's anyone so jump out. But obviously
Nicol Jokis didn't jump out right, So I think it's
a question of finding which one of these players. And
I'll probably let you say their names more because I'm
going to butcher them.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
I'm not bread at that.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
I will do my best not to butcher a couple
of them. In our next segment, coming up next, Eric
Pinkus breaks down some of the top foreign born prospects
for the twenty twenty five draft class. That's after this
quick break here on the Hornetive Cast, our series of
draft preview podcast continues. We're looking at the foreign born
(07:34):
lottery prospects today with the Bleacher reports Eric Pinkus. He'll
help us break down the potential of a couple players
that have gotten a lot of lottery buzz here in
the weeks building up to the NBA Draft. And a reminder,
you can check out some of our previous podcasts talking
about other subsets. Looked at the old Big twelve Texas
Oklahoma Corridor guards, guys like Trey Johnson vj. Edgecomb. We've
(07:58):
talked about the Big ten Wings players like Harper and
Bailey coming out of Rutgers. So plenty to check up
on if you want to go back through the archives
here of the hornets Hive Cast. But we're talking to
Eric today about some foreign born players. Interestingly enough, some
of the biggest names amongst the foreign born players do
have American college basketball ties. Maybe some of that is
(08:19):
the new rules regarding nil or maybe there's just a
little bit more emphasis to come to the States and
develop that way. But whatever the reason is, some of
the bigger names do have ties to the US. And
one of them that we're going to start with here
is Agor Demon out of BYU, a wing originally from Russia. Eric,
what can you tell me about him and his game?
Speaker 4 (08:39):
Well, he's a wing, but he also has playmaking skills,
so he can be a big guard. He's six', nine
so we're in that, range so we're obviously you, know
you Think Luka doncic is you, know the peak of
that big guard type. THING i don't know that he's
got that kind of ceiling or, upside but he's a
really interesting.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
PLAYER i think.
Speaker 4 (08:57):
All of these young guys in, college if you want
a straight line up of, like they got better every
single game and by the end of the, season you
know they were the best players that ever.
Speaker 3 (09:06):
Lived it's you're getting up and.
Speaker 4 (09:08):
Down BUT i think things have seen enough Of demon
to see he has potential as a. Shooter he's got
defensive potential because he has the. Size if you put
him at guard with a long, wingspan that could be
really interesting. Combinations so he's. FLUCTUATED i would say where
some people have him really, high some people have him
later in the.
Speaker 3 (09:26):
Lottery i'm curious see where he.
Speaker 4 (09:27):
Lands BUT i think he's one of the more intriguing
prospects out, there.
Speaker 2 (09:31):
Whether you're looking at him from a potential to be
An All star or what kind of role you would
see for him a couple of years down the line
if he were playing on a playoff, team what role
you would have from one of the top two or
three scorers to defensive. Stopper what kind of future do
you envision For deman if he hits all the high, notes.
Speaker 4 (09:51):
Well like if you can become more, consistent because he
is more of a, Creator so it's a. CHALLENGE i,
mean Obviously halliburton and. Whatnot like if you're a creator
that can also, score that's when you start to skyrocket
Into All star Or ALL. Mba SO i think demon
comes in as like a really unique player who can
help a. Team Because i'll just, say like The, knicks
(10:13):
really really good, team don't have they didn't have a
lot of playmaking throughout the, roster so they were heavily
dependent On, brunson And Josh hart was maybe their next
best assist, guy or even their best assist.
Speaker 3 (10:22):
Guy it's when you have.
Speaker 4 (10:23):
Additional players who maybe aren't the central that can create
that can really. Changing so that's kind of WHERE i
See demon as a really, strong complimentary, starter assuming he
hits all of those. Marks, obviously if the scoring comes
with it and he really becomes like a high level,
score now you start to reach a different.
Speaker 2 (10:41):
Tier another big name coming From. Europe this one has
been playing In, Europe Noah assange out Of. France what
is it about him that's got people giving him some lottery?
Speaker 4 (10:52):
Buzz, well first of, All i'm impressive on getting the
name Because i've had trouble with that, one AND i
know it doesn't seem that, hard but that's one THAT
i just can't seem to.
Speaker 3 (11:01):
Nail but he's in.
Speaker 4 (11:02):
Development it's one of those things WHERE i don't know
that he comes in right away as a finished. Product
he's a combo. Forward he's got upside on both sides
of the. Ball he can even play some small ball.
FIVE i, mean if he doesn't have tremendous. Size obviously
he is under two hundred, Pounds, so, like you, know
this is a growth. Thing usually when players get to the,
league they you, know after a year in the, gym
(11:24):
they start to add some size and some. Bulk so
if he can get you, know enough strength in, there
then he might be able to. Play he has potential as,
rebounding he's a switchable forward on. Defense he needs to
improve his ball handling and. Shooting so it's one of
those things where there's a lot of raw material. There
but and he could go as high as like he
(11:44):
may be out of the names that you, ask he
might be the highest out of this entire, group just
based on that upside of who he is as an,
athlete as a potential, score he's good in the open,
forward he's an improving body, control can, finish can get.
Downhill he just has a long way to go because
he's you, know AS i, said this is this is
one of the younger, kids AND i can almost call
(12:04):
him a kid because he's actually. Eighteen so, yeah you,
know you're drafting at this high off of, POTENTIAL i
think more than anything. Else whereas we talked about like
The vets coming in the twenty two twenty three twenty.
One like later in the, draft this is where you're really,
saying Like i'm A, Gm i'm projecting that this kid
becomes like you, Know Swiss Army knife can do a
(12:26):
bit of everything and be a high impact player in
like three or four. Years it just might take two
years from to really get to where you want to
see that potential and then three or four for him
to really start to.
Speaker 2 (12:37):
Blossom one more foreign born, player and this is another
one who came to THE us to play his college,
Ball casparis jacquushonas out of The illinois the playmaking guard over.
There seeing him ranked very high on many draft boards
from some of the experts out, there like yourself and,
others you, know certainly putting him in a first round.
Speaker 3 (12:56):
Mix what is it.
Speaker 2 (12:57):
About him his game that has him a lottery.
Speaker 4 (12:59):
Pross, well he's super talented as a lead guard with
good size for. It in, theory he can be the
point guard on a teams as he gets used to
THE nba at six,' six so you know we're Seeing,
with haliburton you're seeing size of that position can really
be helpful and he can shoot over. Shorter defenders he's, got,
speed strength.
Speaker 3 (13:19):
Footwork like.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
He's talented he's got A, i iq a strong, decision
making he can, grab steeles has that, good hands. Good
length he still needs to work on those defensive instincts,
and timing which is absolutely appropriate for an eighteen. Year
old it's one of those things where you know some
players their hallmark will be defense and they're going to
get drafted off, of that but most of the players
who are high.
Speaker 3 (13:40):
Are not it's. The opposite they're drafted off with their.
Speaker 4 (13:42):
Potential offensively obviously there's some exceptions, to that but this
is where he needs to just blossom. And grow he's
got a fundamentally sound game and has a really strong.
Speaker 3 (13:51):
Foundation to build.
Speaker 4 (13:52):
Off of so a big point guard in this league
can be so valuable because you can't target them when.
Speaker 3 (13:56):
THEY'RE small i mean Mentioned like brunson or some of these.
Speaker 4 (13:58):
Smaller guards they get, picked on And even aliburton that
his size gets picked on a.
Speaker 3 (14:03):
Little bit but you have.
Speaker 4 (14:04):
That advantage luca gets picked on with, his size but
you have, the size and the size is so important
because you can as, a coach you can work with
a player with size a little bit more at that Guard,
position defensively even if they're not, a SHUTDOWN and i
do Think that aspers has he has. Defensive potentially he's
not going to just be lost. Out there it's just
going to take.
Speaker 2 (14:24):
Some time those are a couple of the internationally born
players that have a lot of, lottery buzz but it's
been regarded as a very. Deep draft, I'm, curious eric
and it doesn't have to be just, international players but.
Speaker 3 (14:35):
From the whole field.
Speaker 2 (14:37):
Of applicants are there any names that have not been
routinely mentioned as lottery projected players that you would be
excited about both the follow on draft night and the
early stages of.
Speaker 4 (14:48):
Their, career well we could stick with the theme a.
Little Bit Nolan Treire saint quentin is an interesting guard
may or may not get to, that lottery might be first. Round,
pick AGAIN if i put your any these names. Forgive
Me joan BEHRINGER From kk setevita. Another interesting he's, a
center young, kid eighteen needs to grow a bit in
(15:09):
terms of bulk, and size but he's good six. To
Eleven ben saraff is another who Is from Ratio farm Home.
In germany Who's another he's a six foot. Six guard
there's some talent all the way through, the DRAFT and
i just, YOU know i think the difference, from however many,
years ago is that teams have greater trust in going
with the international player because we've seen that. It works
(15:30):
shay is technically an international Player. From canada like we
have so many incredible players in, this league and it
just makes the game better to open up those doors
and find the talent wherever it. Might be if you
bring it and you want, to win and you want
to work hard and you want, to play it shouldn't
matter where you're. Coming from it just matters if you've got.
That potential, so yeah it should be a. Fun draft
i'm excited to see how all the, players land but
(15:51):
there's definitely a nice group of international prospects coming into.
Speaker 2 (15:54):
This class one segment left to go on this episode Of,
The hornets I've Cast eric pinkas Of The bleacher report,
with us and we're going to talk about the state
Of the hornets coming up next here On, The hornets
I've Cast sam Farber and eric pinks Of The bleacher
report here with you on this episode OF. The hhc
counting Down to draft day just days. Away now can't
(16:16):
wait to see Who the. Hornets select both first and,
second round and of course we'll have conversations With the
hornets front office and you'll hear from those players as
soon as they arrive In The queens city on the.
Following morning we'll have that audio for you here On
the hornets Iivee cast eric. Personal aside YOU and i
go way back back to my days On The, west
coast and one thing you were always always expert at
(16:37):
was kind of the business of, the game specifically how
you manage, the cap how you. Manage assets and that's
one of THE things i wanted to ask, you about
is we look towards, the future both near term and
long term For. The hornets how do you evaluate How
the hornets look not just on the floor when healthy
in terms of, their talent but the amount, of assets
(16:58):
the quality of assets that they have accumuls and what
that might speak for the future of.
Speaker 4 (17:02):
The, FRANCHISE well, i mean fans weren't thrilled with, the
result right because you want your team to be in.
The playoffs but there were a lot of injuries this
year and that's been the toughest thing for this roster
in terms of just. Staying healthy but when you, look
ahead they have some key decisions. To Make If LaMelo
ball is your, star player he's certainly absolutely, talented player
(17:23):
what do you build around him that? Ittects him so
you need to make sure you, Have defenders you need
to make sure you. Have shooters you probably want to
have a secondary ball handler so that he doesn't have to,
do everything, et cetera, Et cetera and so those decisions
have to Come With, mark williams who is eligible for
an extension. This summer they don't have to give him,
an extension they could wait till. Next year the rest of, the,
(17:44):
players though there's not a lot of long, term commitments
so that, you know do they Commit To? Mark williams
and then none of the other players are under contract
past a couple, Of years so it's really a question.
Of direction do you start to invest heavily now and
build a? Winning product is there a pathway? To that
are their, trade options which you know not to go through,
(18:05):
each player but some players have. To, Leave Obviously, brandon
miller his injury was devastating because he was having such a.
Great year he's not under long term, contract yet but,
you know my expectation is is that he's going to
be on the cornets for a very, long time and
so how does? That work how do you build around?
That nucleus and when it comes to, draft picks they
have a few extra.
Speaker 3 (18:24):
They have all of.
Speaker 4 (18:25):
Their own they have some future compensation coming in one
extra pick in, twenty six two and, twenty seven and
some of these picks may or may not hit those
years because. Of protections so they have enough that if
there was an opportunity to make, a trade they do
have some. Draft capital and so from a point of
view of, the books they're not tied down to these.
(18:47):
Massive contracts they have their, own picks they have some.
Other picks they have plenty of second, round compensation which
are usually helping, smaller deals but they are very helpful
in getting. Things done they have plenty of picks in,
this draft a couple of high seconds and then obviously.
Number four so it's really a question of direction and,
you know finding the right combination, of pieces then what
(19:09):
is the? Way forward and these are DECISIONS that i
think the front office inherited some, of them some of
them some of the decisions they made in. Their tenure since,
taking over they have a lot to DECIDE and i
think some of it is, about PACING and i know fans.
Are impatient you want to just go immediately, to win
but the most important thing is to do, It sustainably
so you don't want to, Just oh hornets made the
(19:29):
play In or hornets made, the playoffs and you. Get
around but it came at a cost of. The future
so finding, that balance they're strongly suited to. Move forward
they're in a much better place than a lot of
teams when it comes. To flexibility it's just a question
of identifying that path forward and.
Speaker 2 (19:45):
Then executing health was one of the elements, you'd mentioned
and Obviously the hornets have had frankly rotten luck when
it comes to health over the last couple, of seasons
but it has brought About opportunity charlotte landing a top
five pick. This year they've done that before when They
got Brand, and miller and so there's maybe a higher
echelon of player that's been available For the hornets, to
(20:06):
draft seeing as they've been picking in the top five
or six in three of the last, four years as
opposed to other places where maybe it's not as likely
to land the same caliber. Of player but looking towards,
next season maybe this team is one draft away in
terms of those players, directly contributing but whether they're ready
(20:27):
to do so, or not how much would good health
go towards spelling out where exactly this? TEAM is, i
mean might that just be the answer That like Detroit
With kid cunningham or other franchises who had some bad
luck it seemed in terms of health and then finally
got healthy and there was. The breakthrough Could the hornets
be next on?
Speaker 4 (20:45):
That, list Well the pistons are obviously the model for
teams that go from high lottery, to playoffs and you
don't want it to be like tasting that inside straight
if you, know poker where it, happens sometimes but it's
not likely. To happen that doesn't mean it can't. Happen
here because just right off, The Bat mark williams has
missed a ton of time earlier in.
Speaker 3 (21:04):
His career he had more help.
Speaker 4 (21:05):
This year and it's not just, being, hurt, like okay
yes it's, a bummer but the player loses, development times
so it stunts. Their development doesn't mean they can't make.
That up it means that they're a little. Bit behind
and that's not to Say that mark isn't a very good,
player already it's that we haven't really seen what he
can be given enough time to really develop. Into that
(21:25):
and so if he can take that step forward as
a rim protector and, a scorer and you have the,
high flying fast Pace of LaMelo And then miller who's
just emerging to be a go to, wings score big,
wings scorer and if he can really take ownership on
defense is like Comparisons To paul george and. His prime
(21:47):
if he can be that kind of guy who can
not only drop in twenty twenty five but also guard
the best opposing wing or even pick up. The guard
now you've got. That trio the rest of, the group
there's a combination of development that needs. To happen You Have,
miles bridges who's a. Professional scorer you have a good Vet.
(22:08):
In Nurkic josh green, Is talented he's had high level
experience With. The Mavericks grant williams, saying, me like there's some,
talent here it's just you add in one more.
Speaker 3 (22:18):
High pick does it? All fit can they? GET stops
i think that was really the hardest part.
Speaker 4 (22:23):
Last year, but again we didn't really know who they
were because they, were hurt so. YOU do i think
if this team, is healthy they are competing With. THE
pacers i don't know that that's, the CASE but i
don't think it needs to be. The case you got
to take. Steps forward maybe it won't be as big
a leap As, the pistons but it would be great
to See this hornet's franchise take a step forward so
that you can see positively the nucleus forming and, saying
(22:44):
yes there's. Something here now the front office can say
this is what we need to add to get it
over that hump and make them, a viable consistent.
Speaker 2 (22:53):
Postseason, Contender, well eric we can't thank you enough for
your inside and analysis both of the draft class and Of.
The Hornets, hope lee we'll be seeing you At the
hive sometime soon for a game in the catchup. In
person thanks so much for joining us here On The
hornets hive.
Speaker 3 (23:06):
Cast anytime thanks for.
Speaker 2 (23:07):
Having me that's going to do it for this episode OF. The,
hhc again a reminder, for you we do have several
other draft preview episodes in. The archives you can check
In With tim reynolds Of The, Associated Press bobby MARKS,
of Espn And michael Scotto Of hoops hype breaking down
a variety, of Players From ace Bailey And dylan Harper
(23:27):
of RUTGERS. To vj Edgecombe And. Trey johnson we've got
basically every position group in every region of the country
and international now players covered, for you so check them
all out ON the hhc as we build Up Towards,
draft day and of course we'll have that covered for
you as well here On The Hornets.
Speaker 3 (23:45):
Hive cast with.
Speaker 2 (23:45):
Thanks Again To eric Pinkas Of bleacher report for, Joining Us,
rob longo, our producer for putting this, podcast together and
most of all to all of you for. Tuning In
I'm sam farber saying it's been a pleasure and a
privilege having. You along we'll talk to you next time
right here On The.
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