As the Charlotte Hornets creep forward in their rebuilding process, attempting not to just rebuild their hive but make it more glorious than ever, the 2025 NBA Draft is an exciting opportunity for not just the franchise but the fans who have supported a team with just two winning seasons in the past 10 years.
Most mock drafts project Baylor freshman guard VJ Edgecombe to be their selection with the fourth overall pick. An exhilarating athlete, he’ll take the pressure off of LaMelo Ball defensively, a glaring problem. Perhaps it won’t be that simple though. In a unique twist, Ball’s brother –Chicago Bulls guard Lonzo Ball –predicts that the Hornets will actually trade their franchise cornerstone, replacing him with Rutgers freshman guard Dylan Harper.
Barring a trade, Charlotte has two players they can take in the 2025 NBA Draft too though. In the second round of the draft, they’ll have back-to-back selections with the 33rd and 34th overall picks. All of that being said, the Hornets just brought in one of the more popular prospects for a pre-draft workout: San Diego State junior wing Miles Byrd.
Hornets Bring In Miles Byrd For Pre-Draft Workout
The Hornets worked out Byrd on Wednesday, according to NBC 7 San Diego reporter Darnay Tripp. Given the number of second-round prospects that have opted to return to school, it’s possible that he continues the trend. To that point, Aztec’s head coach Brian Dutcher speculates that there’s a “50-50” chance Byrd keeps his name in the draft.
Brian Dutcher on Miles Byrd’s NBA Draft decision: “I think it’s 50-50.”
Dutch said Byrd worked out with the Hornets today, who own the 33rd and 34th picks.https://t.co/Kh7CGwkV2q currently has Byrd going to Charlotte.
No mocks I saw today have him in the first round. https://t.co/M4uI2DcS9w
— Darnay Tripp (@DarnayTripp) May 28, 2025
Whether Byrd goes back for his senior year or decides to pursue his NBA dream, he’ll have the opportunity to sharpen up his burgeoning skills. He shot 38 percent off-the-dribble in 2024-25, per College Basketball Scouting, taking many of those attempts in the midrange. Consequently, his NBA future potentially lies as a 3-point specialist.
Though a career 30.4 percent 3-point shooter, the lefty has a comfortable shooting stroke. His percentages in certain zones suggest that he simply needs to be placed in the right position.
Diamond In The Rough
Byrd made 32 percent of his 3s from above the break (right side) in the 2024-25 season. He’s made 36 percent of his 3s from above the break (left side). However, he’s converted just 16 percent of his right corner 3s.
He also has the range and ability to make contested jumpers. In fact, he converted 15 threes beyond 25 feet. he may be efficient if those can be cut down.
Getting him going towards the rim, where he shot 58 percent, is another way he can be an effective scorer though. He’s a functional straight line driver and transition finisher with his length and touch in the paint. Yet, he’s also able to create space off the dribble at 6-foot-5 and 182 pounds.
With that in mind, if he’s drafted by the Ball-led Hornets, he’ll be playing alongside an excellent passer who can help him be at his best. Add a savvy backup, such as North Carolina native Chris Paul, and Byrd wouldn’t have much to worry about in that regard. Keep in mind that Byrd is a solid playmaker himself though, posting a 19 percent assist rate in 2024-25.
Why The Hornets Should Draft Him
Last season, Charlotte ranked 28th (.339) in 3-point percentage. As a result, Byrd’s chance to be a solid 3-point threat is worth consideration. However, it’s really not his offense that makes him a standout prospect.
Byrd is one of the better defenders in his potential draft class. While agile enough to guard out in space, he’s also sturdy enough to hold up in the post. He has a real knack for coming up with blocks as well, whether he’s in the box or flying in from the weak side. With that in mind, Byrd averaged an eye-catching 2.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game in 2024-25.
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