The Charlotte Hornets have been absent from the NBA playoffs for eight years and are familiar with the NBA Draft Lottery. However, new executive president Jeff Peterson and the front office staff are determined to change that. The Hornets shared a video offering fans an inside look at their approach to the 2024 NBA Draft. In the video, Peterson and others discussed potential prospects and the options for their No. 6 overall pick.
Ultimately, Charlotte chose French forward Tidjane Salaun after exploring various possibilities, including the option of trading up, as revealed in the video.
Unseen footage from the Hornets’ war room on the first day of the NBA draft.
When Tidjane Salaun fell to six: “We have our guy, let’s take our guy.” pic.com/Rea22HrGRF
— HornetsMuse (@hornetsmuse_) August 2, 2024
The Hornets made significant changes to their front office and coaching staff. Peterson assumed the position in March, transitioning from his role as assistant GM with the Brooklyn Nets. Former coach Steve Clifford stepped down (moving to the front office) and was replaced by ex-Milwaukee Bucks assistant coach Charles Lee.
They traded for shooting guard Josh Green from the Dallas Mavericks in a multi-team trade and selected guard KJ Simpson in the second round (No. 42 overall). Simpson has signed a two-way contract since then.
While it hasn’t been a flashy offseason for them, like all teams, the Hornets have until February to make trades. Their focus remains on building a promising core, featuring players such as point guard LaMelo Ball and forwards Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller, who demonstrated significant potential as a rookie last season.
The Hornets have achieved more than 40 wins only twice in the past decade.
