The NBA Draft Lottery was last night and the New Orleans Hornets came out with the biggest prize of all: the right to take Kentucky’s Anthony Davis. The Charlotte Bobcats took second place and Yahoo! Sports’ Jonathan Givony has them taking in his latest mock draft, right after Davis at the top.
The New Orleans Hornets enjoyed a night to remember for the franchise that has had to reinvent itself in the last year under the watchful eye of David Stern and NBA ownership. They traded Chris Paul for a nice package of promising players, but their transactions were monitored and even cancelled like a fantasy basketball league with a hands-on commish.
The Bobcats had the best overall chances for the top pick, but the Hornets won out. Still they come out with Kansas forward Thomas Robinson, another great forward in the draft and perhaps the best big after Davis. At least that’s what Givony believes:
Robinson will bring a blend of strength, athleticism and competitiveness that the team sorely lacked this season inside the paint. He will pair well with 2011 draft pick Bismack Biyombo to form one of the longest and most explosive interior frontcourts – certainly defensively – in the NBA.
Robinson was a national player of the year contender for KU last year.
For a more on the the NBA Draft and additional news and notes around the league, check out the SB Nation NBA hub page. Go to Rock Chalk Talk for more on the Kansas Jayhawks.