June 9, 2025 • 20 mins
We tip off our draft preview podcast series with Hoops Hype Senior NBA Insider Michael Scotto.
He helps break down top lottery prospects VJ Edgecombe, Jeremiah Fears, Tre Johnson and some of his other favorite prospect of the 2025 Draft.
Plus his perspective on the state of the Hornets entering the draft and the 2025/26 season.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the Hornets Hoivecast, 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 Hornet Time 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 privilege have you with us
here once again on the Hornetside Cast, brought to you
by SENTA Charlotte I ear nosen Throat Associates, the official
i ear nosen Throacare provider of the Charlotte Hornets. It's
draft season. We are counting you down to Draft Day
(00:35):
now less than a couple of weeks away, and we're
gonna start doing a deep dive here on some of
the top prospects in the NBA Draft Lottery for twenty
twenty five potential candidates for the Hornets with the number
four pick. We'll also talk about the state of draftees
these days, what with nil and other opportunities coming into
(00:55):
the forefront from the college side. Other opportunities like the
NBA G Leaguegnite disappearing. On the other the makeup of
who remains in the draft is very much changing, So
we're going to talk about that as well as look
at the Hornets franchise overall with an expert when it
comes not just to the NBA Draft, but the game
as a whole. His name is Michael Scotto and you
(01:17):
can see his work all over the place via hoopshype.
He does podcasting, he does mock drafts, and he is
an expert in all facets of the NBA and kind
enough to join us here today on the Hornets. I've
cast Michael, Thanks so much for the time.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Tom My Pleasures, Sam happy to join you.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
We're going to dig in throughout the next couple of
weeks here on really everyone who's been mentioned as a
potential lottery pick. With the Hornets holding the number four pick,
that should give us a pretty good spray we're going
to talk to you about. I'm calling them the Texas
Oklahoma Guards. Once upon a time, this would be the
Big twelve. Now not so lucky. I suppose I should
(01:53):
be grateful that it's not three players across three different conferences.
But we're looking at VJ. Edgecomb Jeremiah Fear and Trade
Johnson for today's episode of the a JC. Let's start
with VJ. Edgecomb. What can you tell me about him?
What makes him a candidate to be a top five
pick in this draft?
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Sure? Thanks, dam When you're looking at VJ. Edgecomb, you're
looking at an athletic player, a really good defensive intangibles,
and I think a guy that stood out over the
summer for people playing in higher competition at Baylor. Had
some solid stats, but I just feel like with him defensively,
as I mentioned, he really pops down in his athleticism.
(02:34):
Is what has NBA executives looking at him as a
potential top five pick at this point.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Fill in the blank for me when it comes to VJ. You,
Michael Scotto can see VJ. Edgecombe being a blank on
a playoff team one day.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
I can see VJ. Edgecombe being either a high caliber
rotation player or like a fifth starter on a deep team.
Not sure if he's going to be a high level
All Star yet, because I do think he has to
work on some things offensively and continue to polish his
shot a little bit more. But physically the tools are there.
(03:12):
It's going to be about what team does he goes
to and his development program to enhance his shooting. But defensively,
there are plenty of intangibles that are there, so I
looked at My answer is more based on kind of
what I think is floor could be. It's harder for
me to tell what somebody's ceiling is going to be.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
And that leads perfectly into my next question, which is
kind of projecting what that capability is for a player
like VJ. Edgecombe, with that kind of athleticism and the
reputation he's already built up. So if you were projecting
an all Star capacity, would you say VJ being an
All Star in the next six to eight years of
his pro career would be a surprise, a possibility, a
(03:52):
probability you'd stake your career on it. Where would you
put him in that spray?
Speaker 3 (03:57):
I think it's possible. I would phrase it that way.
But a lot of times in the NBA draft, it's
about going to the right organization culturally that one is
invested in the development of the player, two has the
pieces around him to enhance his game. With a guy
like VJ, I think he'd be best around a team
(04:18):
that has probably more shooting around him to start where
he can cut back door, get some plays that way,
some lobs things like that, get out and transition. As
he's getting his feet wet in the NBA.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Let's transition to another player from this area of the
country in the college scene and another guard Jeremiah Fears
freshmen out of Oklahoma. What can you tell me about Jeremiah?
What makes him a candidate to be a top five pick?
Speaker 3 (04:46):
With Jeremiah Fears, I think one of the things that
stands out about him is his ability and the pick
and roll to readefenses and attack with a full head
of steam. He's got a great acceleration and burst of
speed coming off the screen and attacking down hill. I thought
during kind of the month of March he stood out
a little bit to me. He had a little bit
(05:08):
of pop and step to his game. I thought he
made his teammates better around him as a playmaker. And
you know, when you're going into the NBA as a
point guard, it's one of the hardest positions to develop early.
Sometimes it takes time for younger point guards to develop.
But he has a high level of quickness and bursts
(05:28):
that you need at the NBA levels. To be a
point guard and have a chance. I think it's going
to be for him to learning curve is reading defenses
and managing a floor full of men, whereas in college
you know you're you're with more of your peers.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
What can you see him being one day on an
NBA playoff team.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
I think Jeremiah Fears can be a starting point guard
on an NBA team if put in the right situation.
He has to some people some all star upside. I
think for Jeremiah what's going to be interesting is the
physicality a MBA. I think he's gonna need to bulk
up and hit the weight room to withstand some of
those drives that he can have go into the lane
(06:09):
with his athleticism and his burst getting to the hole
off the pick and roll and diving towards the lane.
But to me, that that's going to be an X
factor for him.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
And if you were projecting All Star capability, would you
say Jeremiah Fears in the next six to eight years
being an All Star is a in your opinion, a
surprise would be a surprise, a possibility, a probability.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Or a lock. I'm personally somewhere in between. Possible, to probable.
I just think for him the biggest thing with guards
like that, we've seen smaller guards, like not the same player,
but from the same school. You got Trey Young who
was a smaller guard but was able to shoot the
ball at a really high level and stretch the floor,
(06:54):
you know, as far as like thirty feet. So with Jeremiah,
I think what gives me hope for him to be
at that kind of a level is the NBA has
become a lot of pick and roll on high ball
screen and he thrives in that type of playmaking ability.
So to me, that's where I'm putting my money on.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
And last, but not least, let's talk a little bit
about Trade Johnson, the guard out of Texas, a prolific
scorer for the Longhorns. What can you tell me beyond
what we see in the stats about Tray Johnson and
why he is a candidate to be a top five pick.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
I mean, with Tray Johnson, you touched on it. I
think he's got great scoring intangibles. He could shoot, he
can get it off the dribble, he has good size
at six' six to shoot over, defenders AND i think
he's you, know he's an efficient. Scorer to, ME i
think if you're looking for a bucket, getter that's the
guy you, need especially if you need a. Shooter you,
KNOW i would look at him as an intriguing, option
(07:50):
certainly given his skill.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Set and For Tredy, johnson if you were projecting his
All star capacity, capability what would you, say is that
capability for him to be An All star in the
next six to eight years surprising, possibility probability or you'd
bet on.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
IT i feel Like Trey johnson has a chance to
being also. PROBABLE i would Say i'm high on him,
personally AND i would say that if if for whatever
reason it didn't work, OUT i could absolutely see him
having a role as one of the top six men
in THE, nba dependent on the roster construction of a
team and being a microwave. Scorer Trey johnson can score the,
(08:26):
ball AND i just feel like he has some nice
upside there with a good efficiency.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Level Michael scotto our guest today here on The Hornets Hive.
Cast you can find his work on Hoops Hype MIKE.
A scotto on social. Media we, Return we're going to
talk about the nature of the second. Round these, days
some of the potential prospects he likes outside of the,
lottery and just what is the makeup of a non
lottery draft pick here in the twenty twenty five draft.
(08:55):
Class that's next here on The, Hornets i've Cast Michael
scotto Of hoopshype our guest today here on THE. Ahhc
we just got done talking ABOUT. Vj, Edgecomb Jeremiah, fears
And Trey, johnson and over the course of the next couple,
weeks we're gonna break down really everyone who's been mentioned
as a potential lottery. Pick we'll hope to cover all
of our bases and of course be doing this all
(09:17):
the way up To Draft day in just a couple
of weeks. Time, MICHAEL i wanted to ask you about
the nature of this draft class as a whole and
really focus outside of the. Lottery we've seen some pretty
big changes in the game of basketball overall from the
college and the pro perspective in the last couple of.
Years some other routes that had been popularized by draft
(09:39):
prospects are no longer. Available think of things LIKE NBA
G League, ignite and then there is more of an
allure to go back to college what with nil money
being what it. Is so my question for you is
what is the nature of the draft and the players
that stay in it that maybe are not seen as
locks for the lottery but certainly are dreaming of being
(10:02):
mainstays in THE nba and making it to those second
and third. Contracts how has all of this the landscape
changed things for who's still in the.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
Draft, WELL i think over the past let's say five
years or, so you've seen pretty much a trend where
once you get to roughly the late thirties of the second,
round a lot of those guys are looking at two
way contracts for the most. Part some will get maybe
a couple of years, guaranteed but for the most part
you were looking at. THAT i think now with nil
you're seeing borderline players go back because the money's good
(10:33):
in college basketball, now whereas they didn't have that option
in the, past and it gives them more opportunity to
develop their game at a higher level and have an
impact later on when they come out into the. Draft
so what, happens in my opinion now is you're seeing
more players that are ready to have an impact by
the time you get towards the second round that are draft, personally.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
So you see maybe guys in the second round there
are maybe more prepared to take on THE nba rather
than organizations possibly betting on talent knowing that they don't
have as much of a financial option other than to
come to THE.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
Nba, yeah AND i think you, know you've seen a
little bit of a trend where for, executives, right you
don't always have time to wait for a guy that's
two years, away so there's a bit more URGENCY i
think to get a guy that can be an impact
player as a rotation. Guy and you need those guys
given the NEW cba constructs and teams worrying about the
(11:34):
luxury tax in the first and second apron you've got
to draft well and have young BY nba, standards cheap
salaries on your roster that can impact to balance out
your books and the salary cap more.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Efficiently The hornets hold two of the top three or
four picks in the second, round and obviously there is
a lot of opportunity with. That there's the capacity to
maneuver within the. Draft you can move up and get
a guy you're, targeting you can move, back you can
make two picks, there SO i don't necessarily need the
two guys you have on your personal board in the early,
(12:09):
Thirties but who are a couple of players that you
think are intriguing prospects that are post lottery somewhere in
that you know after, fifteen somewhere in the second round
range that you think are names to, watch not just
for the draft, night but for the years to.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
COME i would say, that you, Know Nolan treiori coming
into the year was a point guard that someone that
could be top. FIVE i know he slipped a little,
bit but an intriguing name in my, opinion just because
of the expectations that people had coming into the. YEAR
i Think Danny wolf At michigan is an intriguing playmaking
(12:46):
big man who can stretch the floor as. Well not
exactly fleet of, foot but certainly a guy that can
make plays for those around. HIM i think his skill
set makes him intriguing because he can pay and shoot
for a big. Man Rasher FLEMING i feel like has
kind of moved up into the first round conversation for
(13:07):
people given his measurements at the, combine and might be
a little bit of a. Sleeper and, LASTLY i would
say on the back end of the first, round maybe early.
Second i'm looking At maxim right now From stanford because
he's a guy that has really good size at over
seven feet showed the ability to score the basketball and
shoot as well at his. SIZE i find that really
(13:30):
intriguing for a lot of, teams AND i do think
you're gonna have plenty of depth as you get towards
the back end of the first round and early Second
one of the THINGS nba executives had always told me
going into this year's class of twenty twenty five is
that not only obviously did you Have Cooper, Flagg Dylan,
harper And Ace bailey at the, top but you had
(13:50):
a lot of depth in this draft and you could
find a good player no matter where you're, picking that
could have an impact on your team as a rotation.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Player and generally, speaking what does that Mean you mentioned rotation,
Player maybe you defind it they're right at the very,
End But i've heard similar things about the quality of this.
Class is it something where you're looking at judging it
five ten years down the, line by how Many All
stars does it have compared to some of the great
classes we've seen, before or how many guys have roles
(14:21):
on prominent. Teams how will you end up judging this
class and whether or not it's successful compared to its recent.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
PIERS i think other classes may have more all, stars
BUT i would say that the depth of this class
in terms of guys that remain in the league going,
forward whether they're on the teams that draft them or other,
teams would be higher than.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
Others He's Michael scotto of Hoops. Hype we're going to
talk about The, hornets the state of the, franchise and
what they can look to achieve in the coming twenty
five to twenty six. Season next here on The Hornets
Podcast Michael scotto of Hoops. Hype find him on social
media Yet MIKE. A scotto also you can find his
(15:02):
great work On. Hoopshype he does, podcasts he does write,
ups he does mock, drafts he does it, all and
he's kind enough to join us here today on THE.
Ahhc your personal, opinion your outsider's perspective on the state
of The, hornets the, roster the state of its draft,
capital and the franchise overall as you look at the
work that's been. Done setting a foundation By Jeff peterson
(15:24):
in the front, Office Charles lee on the coaching, staff
and just what this team has to work with both
on the roster and in its back. Pocket In Draft,
capital this year's included what's your take on the state
of The.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
HORNETS i think the first thing that sticks out to
me under The Jeff peterson regime And charlotte is that
they've done a good job of asset. Acquisition they've got
a ton of picks coming, up and they've managed to
use their caps face well to get some picks at.
Times WHEN i look at a team need for The
(15:57):
hornets to, me it's clearly shooting three point point shooting
and if they can obviously have their course stay. Healthy
it's been very hard for them to Get LaMelo ball
on the floor With Brandon, Miller Mark williams And Miles
bridges all at the same. Time it's an intriguing group
that's still, young AND i think they need to see
(16:18):
ideally what that group could do with the prolonged period
of time. Together you, know WHEN i look at the,
Team LaMelo, BALL i thought last year was on pace
to be An All. Star, obviously injuries kind of hampered
that a little, bit but, STATISTICALLY i thought he was certainly.
There Brandon miller looked like he took a step last,
year AND i expect him to take another, one hopefully
(16:40):
coming back one hundred percent healthy and ready to go
for the year. Ahead Brandon miller is intriguing to me
as a, player a two way player both sides of the.
Ball it's got good size, defensively and you know you
hear him during the games being very communicative on the
broadcast on both sides of the. Ball he's got a
real knack for scoring the, ball driving the lane in
(17:02):
the mid, range and he's continuing to grow as a, shooter,
certainly even though he's got a good base on. That
Mark williams has some nights where he looks like an
absolute monster and he looks like he can get you
twenty and ten some. Nights For, mark it's about consistency
and about staying. Healthy and For Miles, bridges we've seen
him really thrive as somewhat of a small ball for
(17:24):
scoring the basketball and getting out in transition in. Particular
so to, Me i'm looking at The hornets And i'm
really curious if they can add more shooting and maybe
upgrade the shooting guard position around out the rosters day
and maintain with this.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Group we have seen some, teams even as recently as this,
season Like, houston Like, detroit take a jump from where
The hornets were in this most recent year up to the.
Playoffs if you rewind the clock about a year or,
two you can see that pathway taken by Both houston
And detroit and several. Others where is your faith in
(17:59):
The hornet being able to make perhaps a similar jump
In might they be just one good draft class?
Speaker 3 (18:05):
AWAY i think for The, hornets the variable for them
has always been. HEALTH i, MEAN i think they have
young talent on this roster that if they were healthy
for a full, season you can make a case could
be a playing. Team to, me it's just about the
health of the group and getting more consistent. Shooting the
other THING i would say for them is that in
(18:26):
terms of the coaching, staff With Charles, Lee Josh long's,
staff from those, guys they've certainly been focused on player.
Development SO i would, say you, know do they have
the potential that in like two years from now they
can be a playoff? Team? Yeah but are they going
to keep the group? Together number? One number, Two are
(18:46):
they going to be? Healthy that has been the biggest
achilles heel no pun intended For. Charlotte if they stay,
healthy they are that talent to, me has a chance
been the biggest question mark for the past couple of.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
Years, Well, michael we can't thank you enough for your,
time for your expertise and your. Analysis wishing you all
the best here as we lead up to Draft, day
and look forward to seeing you at A hornets game
real soon in the twenty five to twenty sixth.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
SEASON i likewise Sam my, pleasure happy to join.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
You that's going to do it for this episode of THE.
Hhc thanks again To Michael scotto Of hoopsite for joining
us here. Today encourage you to check out his work
on their. Website also want to remind you that we
will be breaking down all of THE nba lottery prospects
over the next couple of weeks leading up To Draft.
DAY i will dig into all of their, backgrounds what
(19:39):
makes them potential top five, picks and look at some
of the other favorites of some other draft experts elsewhere
on the. Board so make sure you're keeping it locked
here on The Hornets. Podcast we'll have you covered all
the way up to draft day and of course the
day after the. Draft each round of. It now we
will give you the full, breakdown let you hear from
The hornets executives after the picks have been. Submitted that's
(20:00):
going to do it for this. Episode thanks again To
Michael scotto Of. Hoopside thanks to our Producer Rob loango
for putting the podcast. Together most of, all to all
of you for tuning. In for all of us, Here
I'm Sam farber saying it's been a pleasure and a
privilege having you. Along we will talk to you next
time right here on The Hornets.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
Hoodcast thank you for listening to The Hornets, podcast brought
to you By, santa the official i ear nosen throad
care provider of The Charlotte. Hornets for more, coverage Visit
hornets dot. Com
Welcome to the Hornets Hoivecast, 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 Hornet Time 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 privilege have you with us
here once again on the Hornetside Cast, brought to you
by SENTA Charlotte I ear nosen Throat Associates, the official
i ear nosen Throacare provider of the Charlotte Hornets. It's
draft season. We are counting you down to Draft Day
(00:35):
now less than a couple of weeks away, and we're
gonna start doing a deep dive here on some of
the top prospects in the NBA Draft Lottery for twenty
twenty five potential candidates for the Hornets with the number
four pick. We'll also talk about the state of draftees
these days, what with nil and other opportunities coming into
(00:55):
the forefront from the college side. Other opportunities like the
NBA G Leaguegnite disappearing. On the other the makeup of
who remains in the draft is very much changing, So
we're going to talk about that as well as look
at the Hornets franchise overall with an expert when it
comes not just to the NBA Draft, but the game
as a whole. His name is Michael Scotto and you
(01:17):
can see his work all over the place via hoopshype.
He does podcasting, he does mock drafts, and he is
an expert in all facets of the NBA and kind
enough to join us here today on the Hornets. I've
cast Michael, Thanks so much for the time.
Speaker 3 (01:31):
Tom My Pleasures, Sam happy to join you.
Speaker 2 (01:33):
We're going to dig in throughout the next couple of
weeks here on really everyone who's been mentioned as a
potential lottery pick. With the Hornets holding the number four pick,
that should give us a pretty good spray we're going
to talk to you about. I'm calling them the Texas
Oklahoma Guards. Once upon a time, this would be the
Big twelve. Now not so lucky. I suppose I should
(01:53):
be grateful that it's not three players across three different conferences.
But we're looking at VJ. Edgecomb Jeremiah Fear and Trade
Johnson for today's episode of the a JC. Let's start
with VJ. Edgecomb. What can you tell me about him?
What makes him a candidate to be a top five
pick in this draft?
Speaker 3 (02:11):
Sure? Thanks, dam When you're looking at VJ. Edgecomb, you're
looking at an athletic player, a really good defensive intangibles,
and I think a guy that stood out over the
summer for people playing in higher competition at Baylor. Had
some solid stats, but I just feel like with him defensively,
as I mentioned, he really pops down in his athleticism.
(02:34):
Is what has NBA executives looking at him as a
potential top five pick at this point.
Speaker 2 (02:40):
Fill in the blank for me when it comes to VJ. You,
Michael Scotto can see VJ. Edgecombe being a blank on
a playoff team one day.
Speaker 3 (02:49):
I can see VJ. Edgecombe being either a high caliber
rotation player or like a fifth starter on a deep team.
Not sure if he's going to be a high level
All Star yet, because I do think he has to
work on some things offensively and continue to polish his
shot a little bit more. But physically the tools are there.
(03:12):
It's going to be about what team does he goes
to and his development program to enhance his shooting. But defensively,
there are plenty of intangibles that are there, so I
looked at My answer is more based on kind of
what I think is floor could be. It's harder for
me to tell what somebody's ceiling is going to be.
Speaker 2 (03:30):
And that leads perfectly into my next question, which is
kind of projecting what that capability is for a player
like VJ. Edgecombe, with that kind of athleticism and the
reputation he's already built up. So if you were projecting
an all Star capacity, would you say VJ being an
All Star in the next six to eight years of
his pro career would be a surprise, a possibility, a
(03:52):
probability you'd stake your career on it. Where would you
put him in that spray?
Speaker 3 (03:57):
I think it's possible. I would phrase it that way.
But a lot of times in the NBA draft, it's
about going to the right organization culturally that one is
invested in the development of the player, two has the
pieces around him to enhance his game. With a guy
like VJ, I think he'd be best around a team
(04:18):
that has probably more shooting around him to start where
he can cut back door, get some plays that way,
some lobs things like that, get out and transition. As
he's getting his feet wet in the NBA.
Speaker 2 (04:31):
Let's transition to another player from this area of the
country in the college scene and another guard Jeremiah Fears
freshmen out of Oklahoma. What can you tell me about Jeremiah?
What makes him a candidate to be a top five pick?
Speaker 3 (04:46):
With Jeremiah Fears, I think one of the things that
stands out about him is his ability and the pick
and roll to readefenses and attack with a full head
of steam. He's got a great acceleration and burst of
speed coming off the screen and attacking down hill. I thought
during kind of the month of March he stood out
a little bit to me. He had a little bit
(05:08):
of pop and step to his game. I thought he
made his teammates better around him as a playmaker. And
you know, when you're going into the NBA as a
point guard, it's one of the hardest positions to develop early.
Sometimes it takes time for younger point guards to develop.
But he has a high level of quickness and bursts
(05:28):
that you need at the NBA levels. To be a
point guard and have a chance. I think it's going
to be for him to learning curve is reading defenses
and managing a floor full of men, whereas in college
you know you're you're with more of your peers.
Speaker 2 (05:43):
What can you see him being one day on an
NBA playoff team.
Speaker 3 (05:47):
I think Jeremiah Fears can be a starting point guard
on an NBA team if put in the right situation.
He has to some people some all star upside. I
think for Jeremiah what's going to be interesting is the
physicality a MBA. I think he's gonna need to bulk
up and hit the weight room to withstand some of
those drives that he can have go into the lane
(06:09):
with his athleticism and his burst getting to the hole
off the pick and roll and diving towards the lane.
But to me, that that's going to be an X
factor for him.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
And if you were projecting All Star capability, would you
say Jeremiah Fears in the next six to eight years
being an All Star is a in your opinion, a
surprise would be a surprise, a possibility, a probability.
Speaker 3 (06:33):
Or a lock. I'm personally somewhere in between. Possible, to probable.
I just think for him the biggest thing with guards
like that, we've seen smaller guards, like not the same player,
but from the same school. You got Trey Young who
was a smaller guard but was able to shoot the
ball at a really high level and stretch the floor,
(06:54):
you know, as far as like thirty feet. So with Jeremiah,
I think what gives me hope for him to be
at that kind of a level is the NBA has
become a lot of pick and roll on high ball
screen and he thrives in that type of playmaking ability.
So to me, that's where I'm putting my money on.
Speaker 2 (07:14):
And last, but not least, let's talk a little bit
about Trade Johnson, the guard out of Texas, a prolific
scorer for the Longhorns. What can you tell me beyond
what we see in the stats about Tray Johnson and
why he is a candidate to be a top five pick.
Speaker 3 (07:28):
I mean, with Tray Johnson, you touched on it. I
think he's got great scoring intangibles. He could shoot, he
can get it off the dribble, he has good size
at six' six to shoot over, defenders AND i think
he's you, know he's an efficient. Scorer to, ME i
think if you're looking for a bucket, getter that's the
guy you, need especially if you need a. Shooter you,
KNOW i would look at him as an intriguing, option
(07:50):
certainly given his skill.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
Set and For Tredy, johnson if you were projecting his
All star capacity, capability what would you, say is that
capability for him to be An All star in the
next six to eight years surprising, possibility probability or you'd
bet on.
Speaker 3 (08:06):
IT i feel Like Trey johnson has a chance to
being also. PROBABLE i would Say i'm high on him,
personally AND i would say that if if for whatever
reason it didn't work, OUT i could absolutely see him
having a role as one of the top six men
in THE, nba dependent on the roster construction of a
team and being a microwave. Scorer Trey johnson can score the,
(08:26):
ball AND i just feel like he has some nice
upside there with a good efficiency.
Speaker 2 (08:32):
Level Michael scotto our guest today here on The Hornets Hive.
Cast you can find his work on Hoops Hype MIKE.
A scotto on social. Media we, Return we're going to
talk about the nature of the second. Round these, days
some of the potential prospects he likes outside of the,
lottery and just what is the makeup of a non
lottery draft pick here in the twenty twenty five draft.
(08:55):
Class that's next here on The, Hornets i've Cast Michael
scotto Of hoopshype our guest today here on THE. Ahhc
we just got done talking ABOUT. Vj, Edgecomb Jeremiah, fears
And Trey, johnson and over the course of the next couple,
weeks we're gonna break down really everyone who's been mentioned
as a potential lottery. Pick we'll hope to cover all
of our bases and of course be doing this all
(09:17):
the way up To Draft day in just a couple
of weeks. Time, MICHAEL i wanted to ask you about
the nature of this draft class as a whole and
really focus outside of the. Lottery we've seen some pretty
big changes in the game of basketball overall from the
college and the pro perspective in the last couple of.
Years some other routes that had been popularized by draft
(09:39):
prospects are no longer. Available think of things LIKE NBA
G League, ignite and then there is more of an
allure to go back to college what with nil money
being what it. Is so my question for you is
what is the nature of the draft and the players
that stay in it that maybe are not seen as
locks for the lottery but certainly are dreaming of being
(10:02):
mainstays in THE nba and making it to those second
and third. Contracts how has all of this the landscape
changed things for who's still in the.
Speaker 3 (10:09):
Draft, WELL i think over the past let's say five
years or, so you've seen pretty much a trend where
once you get to roughly the late thirties of the second,
round a lot of those guys are looking at two
way contracts for the most. Part some will get maybe
a couple of years, guaranteed but for the most part
you were looking at. THAT i think now with nil
you're seeing borderline players go back because the money's good
(10:33):
in college basketball, now whereas they didn't have that option
in the, past and it gives them more opportunity to
develop their game at a higher level and have an
impact later on when they come out into the. Draft
so what, happens in my opinion now is you're seeing
more players that are ready to have an impact by
the time you get towards the second round that are draft, personally.
Speaker 2 (10:57):
So you see maybe guys in the second round there
are maybe more prepared to take on THE nba rather
than organizations possibly betting on talent knowing that they don't
have as much of a financial option other than to
come to THE.
Speaker 3 (11:12):
Nba, yeah AND i think you, know you've seen a
little bit of a trend where for, executives, right you
don't always have time to wait for a guy that's
two years, away so there's a bit more URGENCY i
think to get a guy that can be an impact
player as a rotation. Guy and you need those guys
given the NEW cba constructs and teams worrying about the
(11:34):
luxury tax in the first and second apron you've got
to draft well and have young BY nba, standards cheap
salaries on your roster that can impact to balance out
your books and the salary cap more.
Speaker 2 (11:48):
Efficiently The hornets hold two of the top three or
four picks in the second, round and obviously there is
a lot of opportunity with. That there's the capacity to
maneuver within the. Draft you can move up and get
a guy you're, targeting you can move, back you can
make two picks, there SO i don't necessarily need the
two guys you have on your personal board in the early,
(12:09):
Thirties but who are a couple of players that you
think are intriguing prospects that are post lottery somewhere in
that you know after, fifteen somewhere in the second round
range that you think are names to, watch not just
for the draft, night but for the years to.
Speaker 3 (12:25):
COME i would say, that you, Know Nolan treiori coming
into the year was a point guard that someone that
could be top. FIVE i know he slipped a little,
bit but an intriguing name in my, opinion just because
of the expectations that people had coming into the. YEAR
i Think Danny wolf At michigan is an intriguing playmaking
(12:46):
big man who can stretch the floor as. Well not
exactly fleet of, foot but certainly a guy that can
make plays for those around. HIM i think his skill
set makes him intriguing because he can pay and shoot
for a big. Man Rasher FLEMING i feel like has
kind of moved up into the first round conversation for
(13:07):
people given his measurements at the, combine and might be
a little bit of a. Sleeper and, LASTLY i would
say on the back end of the first, round maybe early.
Second i'm looking At maxim right now From stanford because
he's a guy that has really good size at over
seven feet showed the ability to score the basketball and
shoot as well at his. SIZE i find that really
(13:30):
intriguing for a lot of, teams AND i do think
you're gonna have plenty of depth as you get towards
the back end of the first round and early Second
one of the THINGS nba executives had always told me
going into this year's class of twenty twenty five is
that not only obviously did you Have Cooper, Flagg Dylan,
harper And Ace bailey at the, top but you had
(13:50):
a lot of depth in this draft and you could
find a good player no matter where you're, picking that
could have an impact on your team as a rotation.
Speaker 2 (13:59):
Player and generally, speaking what does that Mean you mentioned rotation,
Player maybe you defind it they're right at the very,
End But i've heard similar things about the quality of this.
Class is it something where you're looking at judging it
five ten years down the, line by how Many All
stars does it have compared to some of the great
classes we've seen, before or how many guys have roles
(14:21):
on prominent. Teams how will you end up judging this
class and whether or not it's successful compared to its recent.
Speaker 3 (14:27):
PIERS i think other classes may have more all, stars
BUT i would say that the depth of this class
in terms of guys that remain in the league going,
forward whether they're on the teams that draft them or other,
teams would be higher than.
Speaker 2 (14:42):
Others He's Michael scotto of Hoops. Hype we're going to
talk about The, hornets the state of the, franchise and
what they can look to achieve in the coming twenty
five to twenty six. Season next here on The Hornets
Podcast Michael scotto of Hoops. Hype find him on social
media Yet MIKE. A scotto also you can find his
(15:02):
great work On. Hoopshype he does, podcasts he does write,
ups he does mock, drafts he does it, all and
he's kind enough to join us here today on THE.
Ahhc your personal, opinion your outsider's perspective on the state
of The, hornets the, roster the state of its draft,
capital and the franchise overall as you look at the
work that's been. Done setting a foundation By Jeff peterson
(15:24):
in the front, Office Charles lee on the coaching, staff
and just what this team has to work with both
on the roster and in its back. Pocket In Draft,
capital this year's included what's your take on the state
of The.
Speaker 3 (15:36):
HORNETS i think the first thing that sticks out to
me under The Jeff peterson regime And charlotte is that
they've done a good job of asset. Acquisition they've got
a ton of picks coming, up and they've managed to
use their caps face well to get some picks at.
Times WHEN i look at a team need for The
(15:57):
hornets to, me it's clearly shooting three point point shooting
and if they can obviously have their course stay. Healthy
it's been very hard for them to Get LaMelo ball
on the floor With Brandon, Miller Mark williams And Miles
bridges all at the same. Time it's an intriguing group
that's still, young AND i think they need to see
(16:18):
ideally what that group could do with the prolonged period
of time. Together you, know WHEN i look at the,
Team LaMelo, BALL i thought last year was on pace
to be An All. Star, obviously injuries kind of hampered
that a little, bit but, STATISTICALLY i thought he was certainly.
There Brandon miller looked like he took a step last,
year AND i expect him to take another, one hopefully
(16:40):
coming back one hundred percent healthy and ready to go
for the year. Ahead Brandon miller is intriguing to me
as a, player a two way player both sides of the.
Ball it's got good size, defensively and you know you
hear him during the games being very communicative on the
broadcast on both sides of the. Ball he's got a
real knack for scoring the, ball driving the lane in
(17:02):
the mid, range and he's continuing to grow as a, shooter,
certainly even though he's got a good base on. That
Mark williams has some nights where he looks like an
absolute monster and he looks like he can get you
twenty and ten some. Nights For, mark it's about consistency
and about staying. Healthy and For Miles, bridges we've seen
him really thrive as somewhat of a small ball for
(17:24):
scoring the basketball and getting out in transition in. Particular
so to, Me i'm looking at The hornets And i'm
really curious if they can add more shooting and maybe
upgrade the shooting guard position around out the rosters day
and maintain with this.
Speaker 2 (17:39):
Group we have seen some, teams even as recently as this,
season Like, houston Like, detroit take a jump from where
The hornets were in this most recent year up to the.
Playoffs if you rewind the clock about a year or,
two you can see that pathway taken by Both houston
And detroit and several. Others where is your faith in
(17:59):
The hornet being able to make perhaps a similar jump
In might they be just one good draft class?
Speaker 3 (18:05):
AWAY i think for The, hornets the variable for them
has always been. HEALTH i, MEAN i think they have
young talent on this roster that if they were healthy
for a full, season you can make a case could
be a playing. Team to, me it's just about the
health of the group and getting more consistent. Shooting the
other THING i would say for them is that in
(18:26):
terms of the coaching, staff With Charles, Lee Josh long's,
staff from those, guys they've certainly been focused on player.
Development SO i would, say you, know do they have
the potential that in like two years from now they
can be a playoff? Team? Yeah but are they going
to keep the group? Together number? One number, Two are
(18:46):
they going to be? Healthy that has been the biggest
achilles heel no pun intended For. Charlotte if they stay,
healthy they are that talent to, me has a chance
been the biggest question mark for the past couple of.
Speaker 2 (19:02):
Years, Well, michael we can't thank you enough for your,
time for your expertise and your. Analysis wishing you all
the best here as we lead up to Draft, day
and look forward to seeing you at A hornets game
real soon in the twenty five to twenty sixth.
Speaker 3 (19:14):
SEASON i likewise Sam my, pleasure happy to join.
Speaker 2 (19:17):
You that's going to do it for this episode of THE.
Hhc thanks again To Michael scotto Of hoopsite for joining
us here. Today encourage you to check out his work
on their. Website also want to remind you that we
will be breaking down all of THE nba lottery prospects
over the next couple of weeks leading up To Draft.
DAY i will dig into all of their, backgrounds what
(19:39):
makes them potential top five, picks and look at some
of the other favorites of some other draft experts elsewhere
on the. Board so make sure you're keeping it locked
here on The Hornets. Podcast we'll have you covered all
the way up to draft day and of course the
day after the. Draft each round of. It now we
will give you the full, breakdown let you hear from
The hornets executives after the picks have been. Submitted that's
(20:00):
going to do it for this. Episode thanks again To
Michael scotto Of. Hoopside thanks to our Producer Rob loango
for putting the podcast. Together most of, all to all
of you for tuning. In for all of us, Here
I'm Sam farber saying it's been a pleasure and a
privilege having you. Along we will talk to you next
time right here on The Hornets.
Speaker 1 (20:14):
Hoodcast thank you for listening to The Hornets, podcast brought
to you By, santa the official i ear nosen throad
care provider of The Charlotte. Hornets for more, coverage Visit
hornets dot. Com
Hosts And Creators
Sam Farber
Rob Longo
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