Charlotte Hornets: 2020 NBA Draft Preview

The Charlotte Hornets continue to be one of the league’s most underwhelming teams ever since NBA icon Michael Jordan took over the franchise formerly known as the Bobcats. As their reward for remaining in NBA purgatory, they have the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and two picks in the second round.

It would be foolhardy to believe that the Hornets will be championship contenders or have figured out the key to be perennial playoff contenders within the next couple of years. However, with a top-three selection and a few promising players that are currently on the roster, they could be slowly edging back towards respectability.

Related: Full Charlotte Hornets 2020 Salary Cap Preview

2020 NBA Draft Picks

No. 3 overallNo. 32 overallNo. 56 overall

Hornets Draft Needs

At this point, the only position that the Hornets don’t need help at is point guard, as Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham are not only Charlotte’s most productive players but play the same position.

Looking at the rest of their young core, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington are both solid forwards who make an impact on both sides of the ball. Malik Monk, who averaged 10.3 points per game last season, looks as if he can man the role of sixth man.

Outside of those five players, the Hornets have serious work to do and a difficult decision to make with the third overall pick in particular.

Because today’s league is driven by offensive talent and Charlotte was 30th in points per game last season (102.9), finding players who excel at putting the ball in the bucket is the Hornets’ main priority. With Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez on the way out, there’s one player who may fit the bill better than any other: James Wiseman.

2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist

No. 3 overall pickNo. 32 overall pickNo. 56 overall
C James Wiseman, MemphisPG Kira Lewis Jr., AlabamaG-F Mason Jones, Arkansas
C Onyeka Okongwu, USCPG Cole Anthony, UNCG-F Abdoulaye N’doye, AS Monaco
SG Anthony Edwards, GeorgiaC Aleksej Pokuseveski, OlympiacosSF Josh Hall, Moravian
F-C Obi Toppin, DaytonPG Immanuel Quickley, KentuckySG Justinian Jessup, Boise State
PG LaMelo Ball, IllawaraC Daniel Oturu, MinnesotaG-F Naji Marshall, Xavier

What The Mocks Are Saying

The RingerOnyeka Okongwu (No. 3)
The AthleticAnthony Edwards (No. 3), Elijah Hughes (No. 32), Naji Marshall (No. 56)
USA TODAY SportsLaMelo Ball (No. 3)
CBS SportsLaMelo Ball (No. 3)
The ScoreAnthony Edwards (No. 3)

Projected Roster

PGTerry Rozier
PGDevonte’ Graham
SGMalik Monk
SFMiles Bridges
SFNicolas Batum
SFCaleb Martin
SFCody Martin
FRay Spalding*
PFP.J. Washington
PFJalen McDaniels
CCody Zeller
*Two-Way Contract

Team-by-Team NBA Draft Guides

AtlanticCentralSoutheast
BostonChicagoAtlanta
BrooklynClevelandCharlotte
New YorkDetroitMiami
PhiladelphiaIndianaOrlando
TorontoMilwaukeeWashington
NorthwestPacificSouthwest
DenverGolden StateDallas
MinnesotaLA ClippersMemphis
Oklahoma LA LakersNew Orleans
PortlandPhoenixHouston
UtahSacramentoSan Antonio

More: SLAM’s 2020 NBA Draft Preview