Breaking: Charlotte Hornets top man and fans favorite star commits to the Blazers.

Some contenders’ enthusiasm in working out for Charlotte is also called into doubt by ESPN’s new mock draft writers.

Jonathan Givony and Jeremy Woo share some new information they’ve learned about the Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte Hornets, and Houston Rockets in the most recent edition of ESPN’s NBA Mock Draft. Some teams may want to trade up in the 2023 draft, while others may want to move out, since prospects are moving quickly up and down the lists.

Givony sends Reed Sheppard of Kentucky to the Rockets with the third pick, though it’s unclear if Houston will select anyone.

The majority of teams anticipate that the Rockets will aggressively pursue trade opportunities, either to move down the board (with teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, or Chicago Bulls, for example) or to avoid the NBA altogether if a player who is a major building block unexpectedly becomes available, like Mikal Bridges.

Rob Dillingham of Kentucky is predicted to be selected by Charlotte at pick six. However, Woo points out that they might be losing out because the sixth pick in the draft this year seems to be in an odd place.

With certain prospects so far unwilling to work out in Charlotte, the Hornets find themselves in a precarious position at No. 6. It is unclear what course the franchise will pursue with a new front office in place and the team’s new ownership known to be extensively involved in decision-making.

Donovan Clingan, a 7’3″ center from Connecticut, ends picked in the seventh place for Portland, although Givony raises rumors among other clubs that Portland may move up to claim him.

Although there has been speculation around the league that teams like Portland, Memphis, and Chicago may try to select Clingan earlier than this, in this mock draft, he ends up directly in front of the Trail Blazers. Clingan offers size, length, defensive ability, relentless intensity, passing ability, and a history of winning back-to-back national championships.

If Portland is successful in acquiring Clingan with the seventh pick, Woo estimates that they will select 6’8″ SF Cody Williams with the 14th pick.

Though he struggled toward the end of Colorado’s season, his draft value saw some fluctuations, but teams that are focused on long-term development still see him as a viable long-term project.

Portland selects 6’8″ forward Ryan Dunn of Virginia at #34, and 6’10” center Adem Bona of UCLA (who worked out in Portland) at #40 in the second round.

Fans of the Blazers may be interested in Zaccharie Risacher climbing to the top spot, the Spurs obtaining Tidjane Salaun at position #8, Nicola Topic slipping to position #10, and Kel’el Ware continuing to play until the Bucks acquire him at position #23.