The NBA draft is nearing and there is a lot to know about some of the prospects. The best time of the year is when the draft comes around and seeing who the could be the future star of your team. There are a lot of mock drafts out there that have had the Hornets taking multiple different positions however, after Lamelo having a terrific first year, they are going to be looking to build around Lamelo going forward. With that being said, I figured I’d go through and find some of the Mock Draft’s and breakdown who they have the Hornets take in this year’s NBA draft.
The Hornets have had a couple different names mentioned at pick 11 however, not many of them have them selecting center, Kai Jones. Kai Jones is an incredible player, and one of the most dominant and athletic center’s in this year’s draft class. He is a very good player when it comes to playing in transition and with his tremendous athleticism in the paint, he is able to draw multiple defenders just by giving him the ball. He could look to become a better defender in the paint, and against certain defenders, he has no ability to create any form of offensive pressure with his lack of strength. He could be a player that could help stretch the floor for the Hornets and create a great running mate in transition with Lamelo.
2021 NBA Mock Draft – NBA Draft Room
This name that they NBA Mock draft room had them take was the most common name that I’ve heard mentioned for the Hornets. With pick 11 the most common name is SG, James Bouknight. Bouknight is considered one of the best pure scorer’s in the country, and was a big part to the success that UConn had throughout this past season. Although a shooting guard may not be the way I’d go, being able to add a court that consists of a rising superstar in Lamelo, Rozier, and then a pure natural scorer like Bouknight, they would be able to definitely, and consistently, put up points from the perimeter. Getting a pure scorer who can contribute day one will be a big part to the success of the Hornets going forward.
NBA Draft Rumors: NBA Mock Draft Predictions Version 2 | Complex
The fit from Jalen Johnson on the Hornets is fun and yet also very interesting. Johnson who missed most of the season last year decided to declare and leave early. The combination of speed, size, and strength allow Johnson to play strong and athletically on both the defensive side of the ball and be a true relentless scorer in the offensive zone. Johnson plays strong in the paint and uses his pure athleticism to create shots for himself or be a playmaker for his team. Although, I don’t think that Johnson fits their needs, what he offers to the Hornets could be make him a fun addition going forward.