THE NBA Draft is just around the corner, with one of the biggest nights on the basketball calendar set to change the landscape of the competition in a big way.

Much of the speculation heading in surrounded which side would be awarded the first pick and acquire the services of Victor Wembanyama, who is certain to be the first name read on Friday morning AEST.

However, there is also the matter of the two picks that follow, given there are a number of factors that will certainly play a big role in which players are selected by the Charlotte Hornets at two or the Portland Trail Blazers at three.

Although there are a number of potential outcomes here, there are three main scenarios that may pan out on draft night.

1. Charlotte selects Brandon Miller, Portland selects Scoot Henderson

The draft lottery saw the Hornets end up with the second pick in the draft, and although Henderson is the second best player in the draft in terms of pure quality, Miller may be a better fit for Charlotte.

Alongside Lamelo Ball, Miller would offer secondary ball-handling, shot-creation and all-around offence given his ability to knock down a jumpshot from just about anywhere. He would compliment Ball’s playmaking well, largely due to the impact he can have playing off the ball.

From a Portland perspective here, Henderson would be the best available player here, although things get trickier here given the terms surplus of guards as it stands with Damian Lillard, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe all contracted and performing at a strong level, which takes us to our next possible scenario.

2. Charlotte selects Brandon Miller, Portland trades pick three

The Trail Blazers have stated that they intend to hold onto the third overall selection, but a trade could in fact work in their favour even more. As mentioned above, Portland’s biggest strength is its guard stocks, with the team needing to improve elsewhere in the future. Although Miller may slide to three, if he is selected by the Hornets with the second pick, Portland may look to execute a live trade on draft night, which could see Henderson end up elsewhere.

3. Charlotte selects Scoot Henderson, Portland selects Brandon Miller

Although many teams draft based on team fit, Henderson himself is also a generational talent, and it would make sense for the Hornets to take the best player on the board at pick two.

Henderson and Ball would form one of the brightest backcourts in the league, and if they can figure out how to work in tandem with each other when it comes to ball-handling responsibilities, the duo can make a serious impact in the future.

Miller would also be a solid selection for the Trail Blazers, slotting in nicely next to the trio of guards currently on the list, and would be a centrepiece for the team moving forward alongside Simons and Sharpe.