NBA Draft 2019: 5 most surprising picks from draft night

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - MARCH 16: Jordan Poole #2 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on in the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the semifinals of the Big Ten Basketball Tournament at the United Center on March 16, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 15: Cody Martin #11 of the Nevada Wolf Pack brings the ball up court against the San Diego State Aztecs during a semifinal game of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center on March 15, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) /

3. Cody Martin – No. 36 Charlotte Hornets

Typically it’s hard to call a second round pick surprising because weird things happen in that round with agents trying to dictate where their players go. But at 36 with several good role players remaining, the Hornets taking Martin was surprising.

Martin had a so-so senior season at Nevada where his scoring actually decreased from 14 points per game to 12. He’s got a somewhat funky jumper and there are questions about his release translating to the NBA. He’s also already 23 years old which obviously limits his upside.

The Hornets definitely need help on the wing as they enter a pivotal summer with Kemba Walker’s upcoming free agency, but I don’t think Martin is the answer. They could have gone with a more proven, higher-rated player like Admiral Schofield. They also could have gone for a higher-upside wing like Talen Horton-Tucker who is five years younger than Martin.

The Hornets went with P.J. Washington in the first round who is another forward with not the highest ceiling. Charlotte hasn’t had great success in previous drafts and moves like the Martin pick will likely continue that trend.

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