Hornets introduce draft picks
The Charlotte Hornets drafted two centers in the first round of the NBA draft — trading one and keeping the other. The Hornets selected Memphis center Jalen Duren with the 13th overall pick before trading the pick to the New York Knicks, said a person familiar with the deal. The Hornets then used the 15th pick on Duke's 7-foot-2 center Mark Williams, who they hope will become a big man who can fix some of the team’s biggest woes in the middle. The Hornets will receive a future first-round draft pick and four second-round draft picks in the Duren trade, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity Thursday night because the trade had not been confirmed by the league. The 242-pound Williams has a 7-foot-6 wingspan and is known for his shot-blocking ability. He gives the Hornets the rim protector and big man they have coveted for years. Williams averaged 7.1 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks over only 15.3 minutes per game as a freshman for the Blue Devils. He stepped that up as a sophomore averaging 11.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.8 blocks over 23.5 minutes per game while earning ACC Defensive Player of the Year honors and helping the Blue Devils to the Final Four. READ MORE: https://www.wcnc.com/article/sports/nba/hornets/charlotte-hornets-nba-2022-draft-basketball/275-6c48d6ae-9b97-4871-bc48-fb1a6b59e79e
