Michael Jordan gives 'stamp of approval' for Hornets to draft LaMelo Ball 

If LaMelo Ball is available with the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, you can bet the Charlotte Hornets will select him. 

According to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, Michael Jordan has "given his stamp of approval" for the Hornets front office to select Ball. However, O'Connor also says there's a possibility that Charlotte trades up for the No. 1 pick to select James Wiseman. 

It was previously reported that the Hornets were interested in selecting USC center Onyeka Okongwu with the third overall pick, but they're no longer considering him, O'Connor says. It could possibly be because Okongwu reportedly has a foot injury and may not be available for the start of the 2020-21 season. 

Nothing is certain at this point, and Ball could very well be available at No. 3. His draft stock reportedly took a dip as he didn't leave a strong impression on team executives who spoke to him recently.  It's also possible that these reports are smokescreens from teams hoping he falls down the board.

If Charlotte strikes out on landing either Ball or Wiseman, it's being reported they'll make a stronger push to land Russell Westbrook, who indicated last week he wants to leave the Houston Rockets. However, Houston doesn't feel any pressure to trade the two-time scoring champion, and the Hornets very likely would have to give up a haul to land him.