Charlotte Hornets select Amari Bailey in 2023 NBA Draft

After an impressive freshman season at UCLA, Amari Bailey has officially heard his name called in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets selected him with the No. 41 overall pick Thursday night.

Bailey put up solid numbers in 2022-23, averaging 11.2 points per game to rank fourth on the UCLA roster. He earned Pac-12 All-Freshman Team honors for his efforts and had his biggest game in the conference tournament. Against Colorado, he dropped 26 points as the Bruins defeated the Buffaloes 80-69 in the semifinal round.

The Bruins finished 2022-23 with a 31-6 overall record and an 18-2 mark in Pac-12 action. Their only losses during the regular season were to Arizona and USC, and Arizona handed UCLA another defeat in the conference championship game. UCLA’s season came to an end against Gonzaga in the Sweet Sixteen, and Bailey announced his plans to declare for the draft April 13 via Instagram. He’s one of three Bruins to declare for the draft and stay in, joining Jaime Jaquez and Adem Bona.

“Since I was 3 years old, basketball has been my first and only love,” Bailey wrote as part of a lengthy letter. “I have decided to bet on myself and turn my dreams into reality and enter the 2023 NBA Draft. Thank you UCLA and Bruin Nation!”

Bailey played high school basketball at Sierra Canyon (CA), where he was a five-star recruit. He was the No. 12-ranked recruit in the nation from the 2022 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Amari Bailey

Bailey has the ability to score in multiple facets. He shot 49.5% overall from the field, and that number included 52% of his two-point attempts and 38.9% from downtown. His bread-and-butter is in the midrange, which is why he could be an intriguing prospect in the association. Add in 1.1 steals per game, and Bailey can also create some havoc on the defensive end of the floor, as well.

“UCLA boasted a fantastic team, with Jaylen Clark and Adem Bona also representing quality NBA prospects,” Rotowire’s evaluation of Bailey said. “It was the perfect environment for Bailey to look good. That said, he still flashed a versatile offensive game. Bailey’s comfort in the midrange, above-the-rim athleticism, and solid spot-up shooting is an excellent combination. UCLA’s team context disguised him defensively, but he doesn’t project as a total liability.”