The Charlotte Hornets took on the Orlando Magic in the Vegas Summer League, winning in fairly convincing fashion, 86-74.

After a 13-point first quarter, Charlotte battled back for a double-digit win.

I’ve got PLENTY of thoughts on this one.

We’ll start with Liam McNeeley.

The Hornets’ best player on Thursday night was by far Liam McNeeley. He was, for my money, a league above everyone else on the court. He looked in control, was very fluid in his handle, and obviously was hitting shots at a level no one else on the floor could compete with.

McNeeley finished with 28 points on 7-8 from three, along with two rebounds and four assists.

I went into Summer League anticipating McNeeley the most of the non-rookies. He impressed in Vegas last summer and we didn’t see much of him in Charlotte last season.

But McNeeley really did look “too good” for Summer League. I can’t rule out McNeeley getting real minutes this year.

The Sion James point guard minutes were… not great.

So I understand the desire to have Sion James grow as a ball-handler. He probably needs at least somewhat of a handle if he wants to be a playoff-level rotational piece.

But man, it was SO BAD in game one of Summer League. James’ handle wasn’t tight, he made poor reads consistently, and he dribbled himself into bad situations often.

I’m not saying it’s something he shouldn’t work on, but I fear that having James run the offense as much as he did in the remainder of Summer League ultimately takes away from the reps other players could be getting - not just as a ball-hander but as play finishers.

James’ performance probably looks better if he hit a few more shots (he was 2-10 from the field), but the offense was in a significantly worse place when James was the initiator.

We’ll see if this is just a blip, but there was a clear discomfort visible to me. It’s a little bit surprising after Mueller talked up James’ ball-handling.

Ryan Kalkbrenner was pretty up-and-down.

The other day, when I saw that Ryan Kalkbrenner had apparently gained 20 pounds, I honestly wasn’t sure if it was the great thing everyone seemed to think it was.

Kalkbrenner is already fairly immobile as a center, so I was kind of concerned more weight would take away from the little athleticism he did have.

And in the first half, Kalkbrenner looked uncomfortable. He’d missed multiple close-range shots, had gotten bullied on a post-up by Magic forward Noah Penda, and was taken advantage of defensively on multiple occasions.

Not exactly the kind of start you want to see from a center that was getting real rotational minutes for the Hornets last season.

He got it together quickly though. The second half was significantly better. He was more active defensively, went up with more confidence on his finishes, and overall looked much more in control.

Let’s talk about the rookies.

I want to start this with Christian Anderson, who had a decent game overall. He shot only 2-11 from the field, but I think there was much more to his game than that.

My biggest point of contention with the Anderson pick in the moment he was drafted is that I wasn’t sure he’d work defensively in the NBA. After one (1) game in the Summer League, I came away more impressed than expected on that end. He leverages his 6-foot-6 wingspan well, forced multiple pickups from perimeter players, and fought over screens with a high success rate.

I actually came away with a few more questions offensively, though. Anderson never quite looked as in control as I was hoping he would. When faced with pressure, I thought he made some fairly questionable decisions. He struggled when facing the full-court press, and I don’t think he ever really created the separation I was hoping as a ball-handler. It just felt like the margins for him to win on offense were very slim.

(It was also very funny to me that Stan van Gundy, the color commentator for the game, thought he wasn’t a point guard.)

Hannes Steinbach, on the other hand, I thought was really good. He did all the little things - rebounded very well, attacked closeouts, had some really nice playmaking flashes out of the post.

Early on, I thought Steinbach struggled to adjust to the physicality of Summer League, but he settled in really well.

I still want to see Steinbach try at shoot it at some point this Summer, but I came away very encouraged with how much it looked like Steinbach belonged on the court. I thought he was by far Charlotte’s most impactful big man, and my favorite play was his pick-and-roll rep with Christian Anderson which he used his length to create separation for an inside bucket.

Steinbach finished with a fairly quiet 15 points and 11 rebounds, and I’m super excited to see how he grows with the next few games. He was probably the brightest spot for me tonight - outside of McNeeley.

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Coby White has re-signed with the Charlotte Hornets on a three-year deal worth $74 million. He will go into the 2026 season as the team’s starter at point guard after LaMelo Ball was traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves for a package that included Naz Reid.

White was incredibly impressive in his limited minutes for the Hornets last season. In just 19 minutes per game, he averaged 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists on 46% shooting from the field and 39% from three.

White is obviously a good player, but I can’t say many expected him to go into the season as Charlotte’s starting point guard. I don’t know that he’s been properly evaluated in that light yet, despite getting a contract figure ($24M AAV) that certainly indicates his value as such.

I wanted to dive into White’s game, just how good he is (and can become), and pose a simple question: Is Charlotte’s ceiling at point guard capped with White locked into the starting spot?

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Watch us live as Owen Watterson and Dylan Jackson watch the 2001-02 Charlotte Hornets take on the Los Angeles Lakers in the newest iteration of “Hornets Rewind!”

The series hosted by the Hornets Historian himself, Owen Watterson, where he takes us back to the 90s to check out full-length retro Hornets games.

This series is exclusive to SportCLT, and you can’t find these games anywhere else on the internet.

“Hornets Rewind” will take place a few times per month, and each game is hand-picked by Owen from his archive of full-length 80s/90s Hornets games. Today’s stream will be showing the what many consider the “final great game” of the old Hornets franchise prior to their move to New Orleans.

The live stream will take place today, July 7th, at 8 PM ET. Please read below for the full details on how to watch.

How to Watch

The “Watch-a-Long” series is normally exclusive to SportCLT’s paid subscribers, but in this one-time-only iteration, we’re making it free for everyone to watch live. It will be streamed on SportCLT’s Twitter (@sportCLT) and website (sportclt.com, which is where you’re reading this).

FLASH SALE: We’re offering 50% off of our annual subscription to celebrate Hornets Rewind’s only free, public episode. Hit subscribe above and become a paid subscriber, your annual subscription will have the discount applied.

Getting access to full games from that era isn’t free, so consider becoming a paid subscriber for future Hornets Rewind streams. The “Hornets Rewind” watch-a-longs take place AFTER today will happen on the SportCLT discord server, “ClubCLT”.

To get access to ClubCLT, become a paid subscriber to SportCLT, and the invitation link will be sent to your email.

Own a Charlotte-area business and interested in sponsoring SportCLT content (posts, podcasts, or interactive guides/games)? Become a partner today by filling out our form, linked here.

The Charlotte Hornets are going to go into Summer League looking to defend their 2025 championship. It’s a much different roster this time around, mainly in that there is no 4th overall pick Kon Knueppel to shoulder the offensive load.

But there is still a ton of talent on the team, including two top-20 picks in Hannes Steinbach and Christian Anderson.

I dove into every single player on the Hornets Summer League roster, what to expect from them, and what their roster outlook looks to be moving forward.

Thoughts On Every Hornets’ Summer League Player

The Guys You Probably Haven’t Heard Of

Every year, there are players on each team’s Summer League roster that don’t get a ton of recognition. Most of the eyes are pointed towards first- and second-round picks (and rightfully so).

But I wanted to give a quick breakdown on each of the players on the Hornets SL team you probably haven’t heard of.

Terrell Brown Jr.

28 years old | Guard | 6-3, 180 | Washington

Terrell Brown has spent the past three seasons in Greensboro with the Swarm. He’s the oldest player on the Summer League team by at least three years, but I have to imagine the reason he’s in Vegas with the Hornets is because he’s a veteran playmaker.

This past season, Brown averaged more than six assists per game in 36 appearances for the Swarm. We’ve seen what it looks like when a Summer League team doesn’t have a table-setting point guard, so Brown’s presence is probably a preventative measure.

Josiah Allick

25 years old | Big | 6-8, 240 | Nebraska

Josiah Allick is another name representing the Greensboro Swarm. This past season he averaged seven points and six rebounds playing center. More interestingly with Allick is his three-point shooting ability (or, at least, the possibility of it).

We know that bigs that can shoot intrigue the Hornets front office (look at Kalkbrenner, Naz Reid, and Hannes Steinbach), and Allick has been unafraid to shoot it from deep throughout his college and G-League career.

Cameron Matthews

24 years old | Forward | 6-7, 235 | MS State

Cameron Matthews spent five years at Mississippi State before playing for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in the G-League this past season. He’s got a pro-ready frame and is a willing shooter, despite the efficiency never quite being there.

More interestingly with Matthews is his defense, though. His ability to be a rugged, point-of-attack defender is what garnered him draft consideration in 2025, and that is likely to be his role on this SL team.

Latrell Wrightsell Jr.

24 years old | Guard | 6-3, 195 | Alabama

Latrell Wrightsell played (checks notes) SIX seasons of college basketball before making the professional jump this year. The first three of those were at Cal State Fullerton, the final three were at Alabama.

This past year for the Crimson Tide, Wrightsell averaged 13 points, three rebounds, and two assists per game, and is a career 38-percent 3-point shooter.

Wrightsell’s archetype is a difficult one to place into the NBA: he’s mostly a volume scorer without a ton of playmaking or defensive juice. He could definitely be a contributor for this Hornets G-League team as a depth scorer.

Max Mackinnon

22 years old | Guard | 6-6, 195 | LSU/Australia

Mackinnon is by far the most interesting players in this section, to me. He’s younger, has a bit more size than the other guards/wings here, and can really shoot the ball at a high clip.

Over his final two years in college, Mackinnon averaged more than 15 points per game on 44/39/88 splits. Those are elite shooting metrics. He’s also capable of driving at times, but for the most part will be a fairly stationary player.

He’s also just really far behind the crowd from an athletic standpoint, which results in him getting picked on defensively.

Wyatt Fricks

23 years old | Forward | 6-9, 215 | Marshall

Wyatt Fricks is another guy with length and previous productivity, though he was a late-breakout at Marshall this past season. He averaged 16 points and six rebounds per game this past year on a whopping 55% from the field and 35% from three.

Fricks’ biggest obstacle towards earning an NBA contract is the lack of physicality and how it affects his ability to defend front court players. His frame is mostly filled out at 215 pounds, so I question whether this is an aspect where he can grow.

The 2-Way Guys

The Hornets agreed to two-way contracts with each of Michael Ajayi and Kylan Boswell following the 2026 NBA Draft. They join PJ Hall as two-way players. Hall, per Owen Watterson, will travel with the team to Vegas but won’t play in any games due to injury.

But due to the nature of being on a two-way deal, each of Ajayi and Boswell do have some expectations in the Vegas Summer League.

Michael Ajayi

23 years old | Forward | 6-7, 228 | Butler

The biggest thing that stands out with Michael Ajayi’s game is his processing. He’s a lightning-quick decision-maker and someone that is constantly making the correct play. He’s an elite rebounder for his size and consistently gives effort on the defensive end.

There are two main questions with his game, though:

1. Can he shoot the ball? Ajayi almost certainly will have to improve his 3-point efficiency if he wants to earn a real NBA contract.

2. Is he big enough to play the role he did at Butler? Ajayi was more of a big than a forward at Butler this past season. You can get away with that at his size in the Big East, but he struggled most in games against bigger teams like UConn.

Still, I really like the bet. I’m always willing to take a chance on players that have forward size and high-feel.

Kylan Boswell

21 years old | Guard | 6-1, 226 | Illinois

Kylan Boswell was a three-year starter at Illinois, and his best attribute is by far his on-ball and point-of-attack defense. The first thing that pops of the screen with Boswell is his 6-1, thickly-built 226 pound frame.

Boswell wasn’t a primary initiator for Illinois this past season (thanks to the emergence of Keaton Wagler), but he’s certainly a capable playmaker. My biggest concern with Boswell, though, is if he’s ever going to be capable enough as a 3-point shooter to become a real NBA contributor. He showed good enough touch at the college level, but shot 27% from three over his final two seasons.

With defense as his calling card, I also think Boswell might struggle athletically matching up with quicker point guards.

I think it will be interesting to see how he performs against Summer League competition, and I don’t hate the bet taken here.

The Returners

Ryan Kalkbrenner & Sion James

Kalkbrenner: 24 years old | Big | 7-1, 256 | Creighton

James: 23 years old | Guard | 6-5, 220 | Duke

I’m grouping Kalkbrenner and James together here because frankly, I don’t know how much run they’re actually going to get in Summer League. It would surprise me if they appeared in more than one game, honestly.

Both James and Kalkbrenner have proven themselves as NBA contributors, but I think having them in Vegas could help with the professionalism side of things for the newer, younger players.

If James and Kalkbrenner do play, the things I’d watch for is James getting lead ball-handling reps, and if they allow Kalkbrenner to actually shoot the ball from deep.

Tidjane Salaun

20 years old | Forward | 6-10, 207 | France

We’re entering year three for Tidjane Salaun, and he’s still only 20 years old. I don’t think there’s a bigger mystery on the Hornets’ roster than Salaun, who I still hold some stock in.

This past year, Salaun appeared in 37 games for the Hornets, but also moonlighted for the Swarm in their playoff run to a G-League championship. In five playoff games for the Swarm, Salaun averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds.

I think Salaun is likely to be one of the players plays in each Summer League game, and I’m interested to see the progress on how consistent his jump shot form is, as well as if he seems to be more in control of his athleticism.

Even in his appearances for the Hornets this past season, Salaun seemed very, very raw (which is okay for a 20-year old), but if he does not show much progress in the Summer League, there will be questions about whether the Hornets opt to exercise his 4th-year option.

Liam McNeeley

20 years old | Forward | 6-7, 210 | Connecticut

Liam McNeeley the most interesting non-rookie to watch at the Summer League, to me. I think there’s an outside chance he could play his way into the rotation, and I think Charlotte will be interested to see what they have in Liam in regular season NBA minutes.

This past year for the Swarm (18 games), McNeeley averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game on shooting splits of 46/33/79. In the G-League playoffs, McNeeley’s 3-point efficiency rose to 38% on seven attempts per game.

I’m penciling McNeeley in as an every-game starter for this Summer League team, I think he’s the player you want to see the most from.

One of the traits McNeeley was able to show a bit of at UConn and this past year for the Swarm was his on-ball creation. At 6-foot-7, 210 pounds, if he genuinely is able to use that skill at the NBA level (in combination with his shooting ability), I think that makes him a very valuable role player moving forward.

McNeeley impressed in the Vegas setting last summer, so I’m expecting more of the same (hopefully even better).

The First-Round Picks

The moment you’ve been waiting for…. How will the two top-20 picks perform in Vegas Summer League?

Hannes Steinbach

20 years old | Big | 6-10, 248 | Washington/Germany

I think Hannes Steinbach will really flash in the Summer League. His game was built on the ability to score inside and rebound at an elite clip. He was able to fill the stat sheet consistently at Washington this past year without much help, and he’ll have a lot more playmaking help (particularly from Anderson) in Vegas this summer.

Steinbach is also a high-end athlete, the type that is usually able to get some flashy blocks in the Vegas setting.

If the Hornets want to win another Summer League championship (let’s be honest, we REALLY want it), Steinbach will have to be a primary reason why - especially if you anticipate Ryan Kalkbrenner only playing a game or two (I am looking forward to some limited Kalkbrenner/Steinbach minutes, if we get them).

Christian Anderson

20 years old | Guard | 6-1, 180 | Texas Tech/Germany

There are going to be many, many more eyes on Christian Anderson than originally anticipated following the Hornets’ trade of LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Right now he’s slotted to be the team’s backup point guard, and there honestly aren’t any other options that get you excited. Sion James got some minutes there last year, but the playmaking reps were ROUGH, and I think the Tre Mann ship has sailed, at this point.

Anderson’s game, like Steinbach’s, is one that I think should translate well to the Summer League setting. He’s a pick-and-roll maestro and elite shooter. If you see a simplified offense (be honest, you will) rolled out, Anderson’s skill set should work well even with limited practice and game reps.

Additionally, you have the pre-build chemistry from Anderson and Steinbach from when the two played with Germany at the U19 World Cup last summer. Both players averaged over 17 points per game, and Anderson had 6.6 assists per game in addition to the scoring.

They were Germany’s best players on the way to a 2nd place finish (only behind Team USA which rostered AJ Dybantsa, Mikel Brown, Koa Peat, Morez Johnson, Tyran Stokes, and Jordan Smith).

All of that is to say this: I think Anderson and Steinbach will impress in Summer League. There’s proof of concept, prior chemistry, and a bunch of players on the SL roster that should be able to support their respective skill sets.

The Charlotte Hornets are going to be giving Brandon Miller an extension… at some point. He’s currently extension-eligible coming off of this third NBA season.

Miller looks the part of a franchise cornerstone. 6-foot-8 wings that score 20 point per game do not grow on trees, and while he’s certainly a valuable player, he also has yet to make an All-Star game or get All-NBA consideration.

That makes projecting his contract extension much more difficult.

Most project Miller to make between $35-39M annually on his contract extension.

However, there’s a situation developing in the NBA that I think the Hornets are going to look at as the playbook for how they will (eventually) handle Miller’s extension.

Let’s dive into it.

Exclusive limited-time offer: As a token of appreciation for SportCLT hitting 600 subscribers, we’re running a free agency promotion. Our annual paid subscription plan is 50% off for the next two days. All you have to do is use this subscription link.

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The Charlotte Hornets have remained quiet since the beginning of the NBA’s free agency moratorium period started on June 30th at 6 PM ET.

It’s been more than three days since then, with the wider NBA discussion more-so fixed around the trades of Walker Kessler, Jaylen Brown, and Kawhi Leonard.

The Charlotte Hornets have had an active offseason despite the lack of free agency moves. They already have a full roster (with 16 players) plus a few already signed to two-way deals.

I still don’t think Charlotte is done this offseason. Let’s dive into the direction I think they go, plus an intel nugget or two.

Exclusive limited-time offer: As a token of appreciation for SportCLT hitting 600 subscribers, we’re running a free agency promotion. Our annual paid subscription plan is 50% off for the next week. All you have to do is use this subscription link.

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The Charlotte Hornets have traded away each of LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges in the past calendar week, and in doing so, have opened up a variety of pathways to get deals done with players either via free agency or in the trade market.

One under-discussed idea that Charlotte has access now, thanks to the LaMelo Ball trade, is the possibility to bring in a free agent via sign-and-trade.

But who could the Hornets potentially target this summer that would actually be worth it - especially in a free agency period that has been decreasing in importance over the past several years?

I gave my opinion on a few players that I think Charlotte might take a long look at acquiring.

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The Charlotte Hornets have finally traded Miles Bridges after multiple years of speculation.

Charlotte sent the Suns a first-round pick in 2029, which will be the least favorable between CLT/UTA/MIN/CLE. The Hornets also sent a second-round pick in 2029 that is projected to be towards the end of the round.

In return, the Hornets received Grayson Allen, Royce O’Neal, and an unprotected first-round pick in 2033.

All things considered, this was a strong deal for the Hornets. They turned what should be a late-first round pick in 2029 into one of the most valuable draft assets in the future, and will have seven years to trade the pick (or just use it in 2033).

For Miles Bridges, the writing seemed to be on the wall after LaMelo Ball was traded, though the Hornets were exploring Bridges’ market far before Ball’s.

In this piece, I’ll answer some of the biggest questions remaining for the Hornets following the Bridges trade, including whether Royce O’Neal & Grayson Allen will be staying in Charlotte, what the Hornets could do in free agency, and some interesting tidbits on Moussa Diabate.

Exclusive limited-time offer: As a token of appreciation for SportCLT hitting 600 subscribers, we’re running a free agency promotion. Our annual paid subscription plan is 50% off for the next week. All you have to do is use this subscription link.

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The Charlotte Hornets have re-worked their roster in a major way by trading franchise guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While the move itself saw the addition of Naz Reid and draft capital, it also opened up a ton of roster flexibility moving forward without Ball’s $40+ million/year contract on the books.

Here’s how the Hornets salary cap table looks, as of right now.

The Hornets will operate above the salary cap, which means they will receive a $40.7M trade exception from trading LaMelo Ball to the Timberwolves, and will also have access to the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which can be used to sign or trade for players on a salary of up to roughly $15M.

So we see the tools at Charlotte’s disposal. How will they actually go about using them, if at all?

Let’s dive into my Hornets free agency (and LaMelo Ball trade) notebook, including some of what I’ve heard, and how I think the Hornets will approach the next few weeks.

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Fair warning, I didn’t really proofread this.

I don’t really know what to say other than “wow.”

The Charlotte Hornets traded away one of the few players I was certain would be on the roster in 2026-27 in LaMelo Ball.

The full trade -

Hornets receive: Naz Reid, 2033 unprotected first-round pick, 2028 unprotected first-round pick swap rights, two more first-round swap rights with complex conditions in 2029 and 2030, and three future second-round picks.

Timberwolves receive: LaMelo Ball and Josh Green

First Reaction

We first got news that the Charlotte Hornets might be moving LaMelo Ball last night when the NBA Draft concluded, when Shams Charania mentioned the Hornets were listening to offers on Ball, and that something could progress in the next 24-48 hours.

The teams mentioned were the Minnesota Timberwolves and Toronto Raptors.

Other insiders rushed to confirm.

I had a feeling that something was progressing towards a deal since most of those insiders echoing the report did so while mentioning Ball was happy in Charlotte and excited about the roster direction.

To me, that signaled his camp had gotten wind of a potential deal and wanted to get ahead of it from a news standpoint.

From my own subjective point of view, I think the Raptors had much more to offer than Minnesota, particularly after the Stein Line was reporting that Jaden McDaniels was not a player the Timberwolves had available.

And certainly, I thought that 2025 first-round draft pick Joan Beringer would be in any deal from Minnesota pursuing Ball. So it was a surprise to me when the deal was broken by Shams Charania without Beringer.

My initial reaction to the deal was pretty animated.

“That’s it?”

“Wow. That really is it. A starting power forward and a single first-round pick.”

Not to blame Hornets on SI’s Matt Alquiza, but this is more what I had in my head, courtesy of his quick article last night:

That certainly would have been a much more significant haul than what Charlotte actually received.

And diving more into Ball’s value, I think I can get a little bit more behind the deal from a value standpoint, but not to the extent of others.

Naz Reid’s value is probably more than a first-round pick. The 2033 unprotected first-round pick could age well, and the Hornets did generate a ton of financial flexibility in moving off of Ball, including a $40.7M trade exception - the biggest in NBA history.

I said it in the moment and I’ll say it again here: The Hornets front office has built up a lot of good will over the past two years. I think they just burned it all in one move.

Everything they do from this point forward will be scrutinized with one question in mind: “Was this worth giving up our franchise player?”

The Bet Made By The Hornets

The Hornets are hedging LaMelo Ball’s health, plain and simple. You don’t really trade a player of Ball’s caliber from your team unless you think the recent returns of what he’s provided are an anomaly.

When Charlotte was at their best this past season, Ball was on the floor. He made the lives of Brandon Miller and Kon Knueppel much easier, and the numbers back it up.

I’ve seen some hypothesize that the Hornets might not view Ball as a playoff player due to his lack of physicality and rim finishing. I don’t really buy that given the team just spent a top-20 pick on Christian Anderson.

I think Charlotte believes the 70-some games Ball played this year was more of an outlier than a new trend. And I don’t blame them if that’s the case, especially given the heavy minutes restriction placed upon him in those 70 games.

You’re also betting that the Minnesota Timberwolves are somewhat in poor condition by the time their 2033 pick comes around. We also don’t know what the draft will look like by the time that pick comes around, since the new system is only guaranteed until 2030.

My take on that? Who knows, man. It’s seven years away.

I’d also say that this maybe isn’t necessarily about what Naz Reid and that pick specifically do for Charlotte instead of ball, but also the flexibility that such a trade offers Charlotte.

They now have a surplus of four picks and three swaps, as well as a dozen future second-round picks to work with. Charlotte also has the aforementioned trade exception and a $15M MLE to work with in free agency.

The Harsh Reality, Though

The trade exception and draft picks are nice, sure, but the Hornets still just traded away the most talented player they’ve had in the building this millennium.

The front office will communicate that this is a part of a larger plan, and while it’s hard not to take that into consideration, I can’t sit here on June 25th and praise the Hornets for moves they’ve yet to make.

Thanks for the trade exception, I guess, but a trade exception isn’t getting me a 30-point triple double in October when it actually matters - you still have to actually find a player to use the trade exception on.

And while I understand that GM Jeff Peterson has made great moves on the margins throughout his tenure in Charlotte, this is by far the most consequential transaction he’s made, and it’s by far the most negative I’ve felt about anything he’s done, regardless of scale.

I’ve seen some claim that there’s an idea that Charlotte Hornets fans are going to value Ball more than what he’s actually worth, and I think that line of thinking has validity to most players’ trade value throughout the NBA. Fans will always naturally value their players more.

But with Ball specifically, it feels a bit different, no? Charlotte has built a team infrastructure designed to accentuate Ball’s strengths, so trying to replace his impact isn’t the same as just “bringing in a player with a similar 2k rating.”

So when I see positive “trade grades” across the board for a deal which saw Charlotte lose the engine which makes them go, it doesn’t really help me get to a place where I understand it more.

If the trade itself is designed to hedge Ball’s injury history with a significant amount of flexibility, it will only “mean something” once the team actually uses said flexibility.

Naz Reid, Because He Deserves A Section

I do think Naz Reid is going to be a good player in Charlotte, assuming they keep him. He fits what Charles Lee wants in his scheme, Reid is a capable front court scorer and passer, with some high-end shooting from the five spot. It opens Charlotte up for some interesting 5-out lineups, and I think Reid will work well with No. 14 pick Hannes Steinbach.

Reid is also on what I consider to be a really good contract.

He’s got four years left on his deal (the last year of which is a player option) worth about $26M annually.

I covered the Timberwolves for a few years, including when they brought in Naz Reid, and I can confidently say that Reid could become a fan favorite player, as he was in Minnesota, and I’m hoping that Charlotte embraces him in spite of the Ball trade.

Coby White Got His Extension

Buried through it all was Coby White re-signing in Charlotte on a three-year deal worth just under $25 million annually.

It made sense to bring back White even before the Ball trade, but the team could not lose him after the deal, so locking him up was no surprise.

Still, I really don’t think I’ve felt that level of apathy towards a Charlotte Hornets-centric Shams notification than when I saw the extension notification.

White is a good starting point guard, and I’m excited to see him grow on last year’s late season push. I certainly think the returns you saw from White probably made Charlotte a bit more comfortable in sending Ball to Minnesota.

What’s Next?

The Hornets aren’t done. Free agency hasn’t started, and I don’t think the roster is complete.

With the addition of Reid and removal of Ball from the roster, there is literally no reason for Miles Bridges to stick around. I do think he gets moved in the coming days.

I also think that the Hornets will, indeed, use the $40.7M TPE they received in the Ball trade on a player that fits the direction of the Hornets organization.

Some names to keep an eye on there: Orlando’s Jalen Suggs, Portland’s Jerami Grant, OKC’s Lu Dort, Houston’s Dorian Finney-Smith and Jabari Smith. I don’t know how realistic it would be for Charlotte to acquire a “star” with that TPE.

One Short Closing Thought

The Hornets had a star that wanted to be in Charlotte and they traded him away. The Hornets front office isn’t going to be given the benefit of the doubt moving forward, and will have to prove it was worth it to trade him away.

The Charlotte Hornets selected Washington center Hannes Steinbach at No. 14 and Texas Tech guard Christian Anderson at No. 18 in the first round of this year’s NBA Draft. Needing a paint presence, playmaking off the bench, and defensive improvement, the Hornets addressed two out of three needs, but were they the best picks available? Below are my grades for Charlotte’s first round selections.

Hannes Steinbach: A-

The Hornets potentially found their long-term starting center in Hannes Steinbach. I have Steinbach ranked as my No. 15 player overall and No. 4 big in this class, so the value is on point for Charlotte. Steinbach was the best fit available for Charlotte, so it’s impossible to be too harsh on the pick. However, the Hornets did pass on the opportunity to trade up for a player like Morez Johnson out of Michigan, who could provide meaningful defensive improvement.

Steinbach was overlooked this season as a freshman at Washington due to the Huskies’ underwhelming season. However, Steinbach built an impressive resume at Washington by leading college basketball with 11.8 rebounds per game and emerging as a skilled offensive big in the paint.

I don’t project Steinbach to be a star for Charlotte, but the Hornets don’t need stars with LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller on the roster. The Hornets instead should be looking for high-level role players, which Steinbach should excel as a high-level rebounder and have enough offensive skill to elevate Charlotte’s offense.

With his combination of large hands, a strong base, and good footwork, Steinbach should be a menace on the glass. While he’s not overly tall at six-foot-ten, he’s got a strong frame that is still growing, giving him the strength needed to win rebounds against NBA centers. He’s also very adept at securing rebounds as well, rather than fumbling around with the ball in the air. From day one, Charlotte has a rebounding machine to help strengthen the front court.

Offensively, Steinbach’s scoring starts at the rim. With his rebounding prowess, he’ll be a threat to finish put-backs as a rookie. Additionally, the Hornets can get creative with Steinbach and Ball. Steinbach is a capable pick-and-roll big that reliably finishes at the rim. Of note, his screens need to improve to fully maximize his fit with Ball. The final piece of his offensive game that intrigues me is his pick-and-pop ability after making 34% of his 3s this season. While it was on low volume, the shot looks repeatable and should translate.

My biggest critique of Steinbach’s game is his rim protection. He’s probably not athletic enough to play the 4, but will also face challenges at the five with his lack of verticality. College players had no hesitation about driving and finishing over him, and the same issue will likely persist in the NBA. Steinbach’s ability to improve his interior defense will be the X factor that determines if this pick is a good selection or a steal.

Christian Anderson: C+

The Hornets needed a backup point guard and found their man in Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson. Ranked as my No. 21 prospect in this class and second-best point guard available, behind Labaron Philon, the value is fine for Charlotte at No. 18.

Anderson is one of the most exciting prospects in this class and will be a sparkplug off the bench. Shooting 41.5% from deep, Anderson is a threat to score at any moment thanks to his robotically efficient pull-up jumper. Comfortable shooting from range, Anderson will almost certainly have a rookie highlight reel that’s one of the best in the league.

Anderson also provides a steady presence as a playmaker. I expect the Hornets to deploy Anderson in pick and roll actions where Anderson forces defenders to either allow him to pull from deep or deliver a pass to a rolling big. Totally 7.4 assists per game, good for fifth in college basketball this season, Anderson can take the keys to the second team offense and keep the car moving forward.

Defensively, I’m very worried about this selection. The good news for Charlotte is that Anderson plays hard on defense to make the most on that end of the court. However, after measuring in at six-foot-one and 180 pounds at the combine, there’s only so much that Anderson can do defensively. With no switchability and limited strength, I expect bigger, experienced NBA guards to take advantage of Anderson’s defense.

One other key concern with Anderson is his turnovers. With 3.3 turnovers per game, Anderson panics at times and finds himself in precarious situations. NBA coaching should help minimize those mistakes, but if Anderson is a high turnover player, I would not be surprised. His ability to minimize turnovers will be crucial for his success as a pro.

Overall: B

This class doesn’t wow me, but it provides meaningful upgrades for the Hornets. Finding quality role players is a hallmark of the best front offices, and Charlotte did exactly that.

I expect Steinbach to be Charlotte’s starting center by the end of his rookie season and could be the long-awaited quality center that the Hornets have lacked for years. Steinbach’s addition to the roster allows Moussa Diabate to move to the bench as an energizing presence off the bench. As a big, physical rebounder, Steinbach can contribute as a rookie as his offensive game evolves. I’ve got concerns about his defense paired with the rest of Charlotte’s starting lineup, but he was the best big for Charlotte if they didn’t want to trade up.

Anderson gives the Hornets a backup point guard who can run the second-team offense effectively. The Texas Tech guard also gives Charlotte some insurance in the event that LaMelo Ball misses time due to injury. With his shooting ability, Anderson’s floor is high enough to project him to be a key role player as a rookie. However, at just six-foot-one, I have major concerns about Anderson’s defense, despite being a high effort defender. Additionally, passing on a wing like Cam Carr, who has defensive upside, is a questionable decision given the Hornets’ defensive struggles last season.

Overall, this looks like a good class with two quality role players. The Hornets likely didn’t select All-Stars, but found pieces that fit the scheme and will be particularly impactful on offense. However, I can’t grade this class higher than a B due to the failure to improve the defense.

The SportCLT NBA Draft Show just kicked off, and will be live throughout the entire first-round, with analysis from hosts Dylan Jackson and Jack Hooper, as well as an incredible guest lineup joining the two throughout the show.

We’ll be covering each and every pick, as well as how it related to the Hornets.

Where to Watch

You can catch the show on SportCLT’s Twitter (link) and YouTube (link) pages. The show starts at 7 PM ET and will continue until the first round of the NBA Draft concludes.

With Special Guests

Walker Mehl - Co-host of WFNZ’s Wes and Walker Show, Co-host of Locked On Hornets

Matthew Sponhour - Co-host of the Stay Hot Podcast

Nata Edwards - Dispatches From Spectrum

Jacob Lequire - Head of Panthers Content, SportCLT

Steve Sears - Lead Editor, SportCLT

Noah Teague - Contributor and podcaster, SportCLT

The time has finally come, the 2026 NBA Draft is today.

It’s been a long process and I’m super proud of the content we’ve made at SportCLT over the past few months.

Join us tonight as we’re live for a draft show, breaking down every single first-round pick. I’ll be hosting it over on the SportCLT Twitter and YouTube, with Jack Hooper joining as my cohost. We’ll have a ton of guests joining us throughout the show, so be sure to check it out. The stream starts at 7 PM ET.

Let’s dive into the final Mock Draft.

1. Wizards - AJ Dybantsa - W/F - BYU

I’ve had the Washington Wizards taking Dybantsa since they won the lottery, and I’m not wavering now. I think he’s going to be a 25-point per game scorer in the NBA.

2. Jazz - Darryn Peterson - G - Kansas

Despite the weird noise around this pick, I do think that Peterson will end up in Utah. He is too clean of a fit for that roster for the Jazz to pass on him at that spot.

3. Grizzlies - Cam Boozer - F - Duke

The Grizzlies get, in my opinion, the best player in the draft with the third pick. Boozer fits Memphis’ roster like a glove, pairing particularly well with franchise center Zach Edey.

4. Bulls - Caleb Wilson - F - UNC

I truly think Caleb Wilson goes first overall in some draft classes, so getting him fourth overall is a massive win for the Bulls. He’s less of a modern NBA fit than the top-3, but there should be no other player considered here.

5. Clippers - Keaton Wagler - G/W - Illinois

I’d take Mikel Brown here if I’m Los Angeles, but Wagler is an excellent modern basketball player whose intersection of feel for the game and overall skill level is among the best in this class.

6. Nets - Mikel Brown - G - Louisville

I don’t think anything the Nets did in the 2025 NBA Draft should prevent them from taking the best overall player on their board. Brown has the most upside, in my opinion, of any player left.

7. Kings - Darius Acuff - G - Arkansas

Acuff is a dynamic offensive talent, and the Kings are at a pretty low point in their franchise given their salary cap situation and lack of young talent. Acuff wouldn’t fix everything, but he’d be a step in the right direction.

8. Hawks - Kingston Flemings - G - Houston

I’ve projected Aday Mara here a bit, but I think the Hawks are going to end up taking whichever guard is left at this point. Flemings feels like he really fits what GM Onsi Saleh targets at the position.

9. Mavericks - Brayden Burries - G/W - Arizona

I am a bit more skeptical of the Burries hype after the Dusty May hiring, but I still think he’s the pick if available. If the Mavericks do take a Michigan man, though, I’d think it would be Morez Johnson or Yaxel Lendeborg.

10. Bucks - Nate Ament - F - Tennessee

Nate Ament has a lot of upside, but I’m also higher on his floor than most. I think it’s hard to do better with this pick considering the Bucks are entering a full scale rebuild.

11. Warriors - Aday Mara - B - Michigan

The Warriors could really use a quality long-term big man, and Aday Mara’s range starts as early as No. 8, to me.

12. Thunder - Morez Johnson - F/B - Michigan

Morez Johnson feels like a Sam Presti pick. His size, physicality, and overall modern fit as a glue guy make me wonder if he could go even higher than this spot.

13. Bucks - Labaron Philon - G - Alabama

The Bucks have finally traded away Giannis Antetokounmpo, and this pick is one of many they received in doing so. Having already taken forward Nate Ament, I think Philon would be an interesting guard to add to the mix alongside Kasparas Jakucionis and Ryan Rollins.

14. Hornets - Hannes Steinbach - F/B - Washington

With Morez Johnson off the board, I think the Charlotte Hornets will take Hannes Steinbach. He ticks the most boxes of any player left in the draft with his size and physicality, overall college production at a young age, and athletic upside.

The biggest question here: Does Yaxel Lendeborg being available change things for the Hornets? Honestly, I don’t think so. Regardless of whether Lendeborg is available, I think Steinbach is a player the Hornets will prefer.

I could be wrong, but I think the Hornets’ public value of the interview and workout process combined with Lendeborg rumored to not be finishing workouts sounds an alarm bell in my head.

15. Bulls - Dailyn Swain - W/F - Texas

The Bulls could really go in a variety of directions. Having traded for Nic Claxton last night, I think it’s less likely they take a center with this pick (and even if they were angling to do so, there’s not really one worth this spot). Swain is an athletic wing that can get downhill and play defense.

16. Grizzlies - Yaxel Lendeborg - F - Michigan

I once viewed Lendeborg as a near-lock to go top-12, but I could see him falling as low as 20 at this point. I think the age is more of a factor for NBA teams than most people think.

17. Thunder - Karim Lopez - F - INTL

I don’t think the Thunder are going to shy away from project players, and Lopez is exactly that. He will need to grow as a shooter and perimeter defender, but the bones are there for him to become a positive contributor.

18. Hornets - Cam Carr - W - Baylor

I’ve got the Hornets lucking into Cam Carr at No. 18, who I could also see them selecting at No. 14. I do think that the Hornets will end up taking a perimeter player with this pick if they land either of Steinbach or Johnson.

Carr would serve as a long-term replacement to Josh Green, as a lights-out shooter with real juice on-the-ball, incredible athleticism, and the tools that would project him as a positive NBA defender.

Some other names I would watch for here if Charlotte takes a front court player at 14: Iowa’s Bennett Stirtz and Texas Tech’s Christian Anderson.

All three of Anderson, Stirtz, and Carr’s name have consistently come up when talking to sources about the Hornets’ potential direction at 18. I think Charlotte leaves the draft with a big and a guard - whether it’s Carr or one of the two point guards.

If the Hornets take a front court player at 18, I’d bet it would be Santa Clara’s Allen Graves.

19. Raptors - Bennett Stirtz - G - Iowa

20. Spurs - Allen Graves - F/B - Santa Clara

21. Pistons - Christian Anderson - G - Texas Tech

22. 76ers - Ebuka Okorie - G - Stanford

23. Hawks - Jayden Quaintance - B - Kentucky

24. Knicks - Koa Peat - F - Arizona

25. Lakers - Chris Cenac - F/B - Houston

26. Nuggets - Zuby Ejiofor - F - St. John’s

27. Celtics - Maleek Thomas - G/W - Arkansas

28. Nets - Isaiah Evans - W - Duke

29. Cavaliers - Tarris Reed - B - UConn

30. Mavericks - Sergia de Larrea - G - INTL

It looks as though the Charlotte Hornets will be on the clock twice today. They own two draft picks at the time of me writing this: one at No. 14 and another at No. 18.

Having two picks in the middle-range of the first round opens up a variety of possibilities for Charlotte, especially in a draft this dense with talent.

I want to dive into every single possibility, what we’ve heard about Charlotte’s intentions, and much more.

Read more

The NBA Draft is upon us.

I polled the SportCLT staff with a variety of questions (some relating to the Hornets, some not) to get thoughts on the upcoming 2026 NBA Draft.

Who's the best player in the draft, in your eyes?

Dylan Jackson (DJ): Cam Boozer. It's rare that you see a player of Boozer's size as good at shooting and playmaking as he is. There's a rare intersection of efficiency and feel that I don't think I've ever seen in a prospect. I think you could rationalize three different players for this question, but Boozer would be my guy if I had the first overall pick.

Jacob Lequire (JL): AJ Dybantsa. The key building block for teams in today's NBA are wings that can do it all. Dybantsa is already a top-end scorer, has an NBA frame and defense that should be able to translate, and should be able to be an effective triple threat player at some point early in his career. It's hard to see a path where Dybantsa isn't an effective NBA starter - I can't say that about everyone else in the class.

Steve Sears (SS): Cam Boozer. I think his combination of size and skill is something that no one else in this class can bring to the table. He can truly do it all on the offensive end and that rare blend is something that teams crave in today's NBA.

Jack Hooper (JH): Cam Boozer. After deliberating since the end of the NCAA season, the idea of passing up on all-time efficient 3-level scoring, elite rebounding, and high-level playmaking paired with a 6-foot-9 broad-shouldered 7-foot-1 wingspan frame, is just ridiculous. I can almost not conceive a world where Cam Boozer does not become a top-tier contributor to some team in the league. Dybantsa is very close, given the athleticism, defensive playmaking upside, and shot creation, but I think I value the security of what Boozer is when he's not scoring.

Noah Teague (NT): Darryn Peterson. Peterson stands out as the best prospect in this class. While AJ Dybantsa and Cam Boozer have strong arguments, Peterson's ability as the best scorer in the class sets him apart. Every team needs a player that can score on anyone at any time and Peterson is exactly that. The shot looks clean, he works well in the half court, and has enough athleticism to be an All-NBA player.

Mali Payne (MP): Cam Boozer. I think Boozer is, and will continue to be, a really special offensive weapon and engine. He can score at all three levels but is most efficient and effective scoring inside. He is a matchup nightmare - whoever is guarding him needs to be as quick as they are big to keep up with Boozer's own physicality and foot-speed. Also he has an extremely high basketball IQ and makes intelligent plays/reads - this makes him a fantastic passer which should smoothly translate to the NBA. Out of all the consensus top guys, he is the youngest (he will be 18 on draft day), but because of how polished his game is people seem to discredit his ceiling. I see no reason as to why he can't grow much more upon being exposed to the NBA game with NBA teammates - iron sharpens iron.

Final count: Cam Boozer 4, AJ Dybantsa 1, Darryn Peterson 1

What position do you think is most likely for the Hornets to address on draft night?

DJ: I would say forward. I think the Hornets know they need to upgrade the front court, and they have a unique opportunity with the number of forwards projected to be available with their pick(s).

JL: Front Court/PF. Charlotte is set, at least for this season, with the backcourt trio of LaMelo-Brandon-Kon. The issue that reared its head in the play-in tournament games was physicality, particularly from the 4 and 5 spots. If Charlotte wants to be a serious ball club, they need to add real physical players in the front court.

SS: Forward. I think it's no secret that after this past season that the position in the starting lineup that needs to biggest tune up is at the forward spot. Charlotte needs to add physicality to the front court if they are to keep building around LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller and this class has a handful of players at this spot that make a ton of sense.

JH: Power Forward. Not only are there an abundance of guys in this spot in our projected range (Yax, Morez, Graves, Steinbach, Peat, etc.), it's also one of two spots we don't have a cost controlled player on a rookie deal, unless you count Tidjane Salaün. Hence why my second most likely position, is PG.

NT: Power forward. I'd be shocked if Charlotte doesn't look to add a power forward. Both Miles Bridges and Grant Williams are set to hit free agency next summer and Tidjane Salaun still needs to develop to become a quality rotation player. Even if the Hornets resign Bridges, they'll need depth behind him and this draft has multiple options in the middle of the first round.

MP: Big. In this class there are several guys in the Hornets range that I project could feature as either a 4 or a 5 in the NBA. And it just so happens that this is an area in which the Hornets could use some additional depth. To highlight the center room for example, it is only really Moose and Kalkbrenner (and PJ Hall if counting him). Those guys are fantastic but there are gaps in their games which can be plugged by just one additional big - real physicality and scoring stand out as the main two. In this class you notably have Morez Johnson Jr. and Hannes Steinbach who can cover either of these gaps whilst still providing skills consistent with what the Hornets like (rebounding, hustle, defence).

Final count: Forward 5, Big 1

Do you see any pre-draft trades happening for the Hornets this week? If so, who do you think it would be for?

DJ: Yes. I think they'll make at least one move. We've already seen Miles Bridges' name floated on the market (as well as a rumor of interest in Sabonis). Peterson is always opportunistic when it comes to the trade market, so I think we'll get at least one move prior to the draft, even if it is a minor one.

JL: No, I think Jeff Peterson is more of a "wait and see" type of person as it pertains to trades. I believe the Hornets will use both of their draft selections, and I don't foresee any trade the Hornets would be involved in without including either Picks 14 and/or 18.

SS: No. If there is anything I think it would be us being a third team to help get a trade over the finish line. I think Charlotte holds tight until the draft, makes their pick and then maybe we see something ahead of free agency.

JH: If so, I think there may be some type of deal to alleviate cap for a team, but I don't see the Hornets entering the draft with any other / more picks for this years cycle. I think a team like Denver may find use in some of our exceptions to alleviate some of their cap pressure (Nnaji, Strawther come to mind.)

NT: I think it's unlikely for Charlotte to make a pre-draft trade. However, if they do make one then I could envision the long awaited Myles Turner trade. With three years on his deal and a down season with the Bucks, Turner's value is as low as its been in years. This could be a buy low opportunity for Charlotte if the Hornets believe Turner's struggles came from playing on a dysfunctional Bucks team. Add in that Milwaukee appears to finally be hitting the reset button, a Turner trade makes some sense for both sides.

MP: No. But a move which consolidates the picks or pushes back a pick to another year wouldn't surprise me.

Final count: No 5, Yes 1.

Most likely player to be traded FROM the Hornets this week?

DJ: Miles Bridges. I think the answer is clearly Miles Bridges. He has the most value of any Hornets player projected to be on the market and we've reached a point where we clearly know he's not a great fit in Charles Lee's scheme.

JL: Miles Bridges. Bridges carries the largest expiring salary on the Hornets roster, is probably the best player that Charlotte has on the trade block, and frankly just doesn't fit what this team needs.

SS: Josh Green. We saw Green get phased out of the rotation towards the end of the season. Now he's on an expiring contract that could be useful to move for another player who could be in the rotation or just to clear up space.

JH: Josh Green. I think if a team had to take on $14 million in an expiring, they'd choose JG over Grant just given his archetype being a little more fluid across rosters, and his high 3-point percentage last season.

NT: Josh Green, If Charlotte makes a trade, I expect Josh Green to be included as salary filler. His role is shrinking in Charlotte and his expiring contract is prime option to be make money match in any deal.

MP: Tre Mann. Coming off his back injury Tre Mann has been unable to consistently deliver enough to be trusted with more minutes. Because of this I see him as the least valuable guy to Charles Lee and the Hornets future as a whole - so he will likely be traded. It's a shame, because I really enjoyed what he gave us before the injury.

Final count: Josh Green 3, Miles Bridges 2, Tre Mann 1.

Should the Hornets use both of their draft picks (at 14 and 18)?

DJ: Yes. This is a stacked draft class and you might be able to get two players that normally are considered lottery talents. Most contending teams are stacking young, cost controlled talent as a way to fill out a playoff rotation, and I think the Hornets are in a position to add two players that can make an impact.

JL: No, I believe at least one of the picks should be allocated in a trade for a veteran upgrade. I know that you need cost controlled talent in today's NBA, but the Hornets fan in me is saying it's playoffs - not play-in - or bust this season. On a team that already fielded three rookies last season, with Liam McNeeley and Tidjane Salaun also needing minutes, I would find it difficult for two rookies to carve out significant roles, which is what you would want from two Top-20 selections in what many are calling the best draft pool since 2003.

SS: Yes. Hitting on these picks could give us 2 quality rotation players on rookie contracts. Extremely valuable.

JH: Yes. Cost controlled assets when you're about to extend one of your best players (Miller) to a long term extension is incredibly important. I also think there are enough players who could fit needs we have (defensive playmaking, rim pressure, secondary playmaking) in this class to warrant spending both picks.

NT: Yes. The only thing better than one cheap contract is two cheap contracts. Making both selections makes sense for Charlotte financially as the roster grows more expensive.

MP: Yes. I was initially in the boat for only drafting one guy out of this class due to the roster size constraints. But after I took my love-for-Pat-Connaughton glasses off I saw it made more sense to use both picks. There is such a variety of talent in this class in positions which Charlotte should look to fill (notably guards/bigs), and combine that with the two nice 4-year rookie deals the players will have it makes for an easy decision. So whilst maybe its not Pat who's let go, the bottom line remains and the is that Charlotte should take two rookies in this class, and a player(s) will need to make way for that to happen - and I'm okay with that.

Final Count: Yes 5, No 1.

Who is your absolute favorite draft target at either 14 or 18? Be realistic here.

DJ: Jayden Quaintance. I'm not privy to medical information, and I love the talent that Quaintance brings. I think there is an argument that he'd be the favorite to go fifth overall if he didn't have any red flags, and that's the type of talent I'm more than okay betting on in the late lottery. Players like Quaintance do not come around often, in my opinion.

JL: Yaxel Lendeborg. I get that he's old. However, like I mentioned above with Dybantsa, Lendeborg already possesses an NBA frame (6-foot-9, 240 pounds) and can operate as a triple threat forward from day one. He may not have the highest ceiling of some of the players in this range, but for a team that needs to kick it into a higher gear THIS SEASON, Lendeborg should be able to provide stable and immediate returns.

SS: Morez Johnson. I have to stick with my board here. I think Johnson is exactly what the Hornets need in the frontcourt in terms of having a guy who can quarterback the defense and add that much needed physicality to the starting unit. He's not perfect, but no prospect is. At 14, and 18 especially, I think Charlotte can't pass on him.

JH: Morez Johnson. I think he's the most switchable defensive playmaker in the class, while pairing that with freak athleticism for his size and really good efficiency at Michigan. Some of his chances won't come as easy in the league, but his skillset with a fairly interesting stretch ability (75+% free throws) make him a no brainer for me.

NT: Morez Johnson. My best case scenario for Charlotte ends with the Hornets landing Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr at pick 14. I have him ranked as a top ten player in this class and the best of the Michigan frontcourt trio. His motor, strength, and defensive versatility are all things the Hornets could use as they look to make the playoffs.

MP: Morez Johnson. He is just such a seamless fit in Charlotte. Rebounding, physicality, defensive versatility, motor - he does it all. And you're not just checking these boxes for him half-heartedly, he's legit. All of these skills will transfer to the NBA where he will consequently offer immediate impact wherever he goes, either playing as a 4 or a 5. A common NBA comp for Morez is Isaiah Stewart, and it's hard to disagree with that at least from a defensive impact standpoint. We may not like Beef Stew in Charlotte, but I love his game, and finding something similar in Morez Johnson Jr. would be a home run for this team.

Final Count: Morez Johnson 4, Yaxel Lendeborg 1, Jayden Quaintance 1.

Who is your least favorite draft target at either 14 or 18?

DJ: I'm much more hesitant on Yaxel Lendeborg than most. The track record on historical age outliers isn't great, even if Lendeborg looks to be a pro-ready prospect. I could get behind him with the 18th pick, but I have a variety of players I'd prefer at 14.

JL: Koa Peat. I like the idea of what Peat can be as a roaming defender, especially as someone you send to hunt small guards. What I don't like is the jumper and his decision to stay in the NBA draft despite that glaring issue. Any non-center for me has to be able to pop out to the 3 point line and at least pretend to be a threat.

SS: Labaron Philon Jr.: I don't even dislike him all that much but it's like a Malik Monk & James Bouknight jump scare sort of thing. I don't know, maybe thirds time the charm?

JH: Koa Peat - I think for the run and gun style the Hornets play, Peat really isn't all that bad of a fit. However, I don't really want to add a negative floor spacer to a front court of Bridges, Diabate, and Kalkbrenner. I like Peat - not for us.

NT: Karim Lopez. I'd be disappointed if Charlotte selected Karim Lopez at either 14 or 18. There's certainly a high ceiling with Lopez, but there's a lot of work to get there. The jump shot is inconsistent and the defensive instincts aren't there yet. For a team looking to make a playoff push, I'd pass on a long term project prospect.

MP: Nate Ament. Sure we know the talent is there from high school, and I appreciate his ability to handle the ball for his size, but he is not what this Hornets team needs from this class. My biggest concern is that I just don't think he is ready for the league yet. The Hornets need to draft players in the coming years that they hope can have immediate impacts, and I just don't see Ament providing that.

Final Count: Koa Peat 2, Yaxel Lendeborg 1, Labaron Philon 1, Karim Lopez 1, Nate Ament 1.

Rank your top-5 Hornets draft targets.

DJ: (In order) Jayden Quaintance, Nate Ament, Hannes Steinbach, Morez Johnson, Cam Carr. Lots of front court players on my list, but I can also be convinced if one of the guards (Flemings, Burries, Brown, Wagler) miraculously falls on draft night. I'm a good bit lower on Mara and Lendeborg than most, and I'm much more likely to take players that feel "rare" than safe.

JL: (In order) Yaxel Lendeborg, Morez Johnson, Aday Mara, Hannes Steinbach, Dailyn Swain. The Michigan trio are pretty self-explanatory, I just want improvement in the frontcourt and all three of Lendeborg, Johnson, and Mara can provide that. Hannes Steinbach is interesting to me, I don't know whether he'd be a 4 or 5 in the NBA, but he's an elite rebounder with room to expand as a shooter. I have Swain last because the Hornets still lack a point of attack defender, and Swain can become that. I have him ahead of Peat because the shot is workable, and at the very least Swain should be a strong cutter and rim-pressure player.

SS: (In order) Morez Johnson, Hannes Steinbach, Jayden Quaintance, Aday Mara, Cam Carr. Johnson was already explained above. Perfectly fits a big position of need. Steinbach, I think is a really talented big man that would fit really nicely with this team on the offensive side of the ball. Quaintance and Mara, similar reasons as Steinbach but for the defensive end. Cam Carr, you could always use fresh legs on the wing, and he does things I think the Hornets would like.

JH: (In order) Morez Johnson, Hannes Steinbach, Cam Carr, One of the Guards, Allen Graves. Steinbach best rebounder in the nation, combined with underrated athleticism, good hands, and highly effective rim touch. Comfortable ball-handler, could fit well with our high-usage of DHOs (but somebody teach him how to set a screen please). Not sure if there's a better fit among the wings in this class than Cameron Carr for the Hornets. Impressive 3-point repertoire as a movement, catch, and creative shooter. 68 rim FG%, 2.2 stocks, 7-foot-1 wingspan, and managed to have a 57.6 EFG% despite Baylor's key initiator Rob Wright III leaving prior to the season. If one of my top-3 aren't available at 18, I would love to get a guard to play behind LaMelo and White to learn and be a cheap option for the depth chart. Maybe I’m a little high on Graves, but given Charlotte's high 3-point volume and lack of true positional size at the power forward spot, Graves feels like a good fit. The playmaking and rim touch are intriguing, and he showed some defensive playmaking talents at Santa Clara.

NT: (In order) Morez Johnson, Jayden Quaintance, Dailyn Swain, Labaron Philon, Hannes Steinbach. Both Johnson and Quaintance address Charlotte's defensive struggles, but Quaintance's injury issues are a real concern for me. Swain is one of my favorite prospects to watch thanks to his driving ability, which the Hornets could really use. I'm concerned about Philon's size at the NBA level, but as a backup point guard he would be an exciting pickup. Finally, if everyone else is gone then Steinbach makes sense as a rebounding machine.

MP: (In order) Morez Johnson, Hannes Steinbach, Allen Graves, Jayden Quaintance, Bennett Stirtz. If Morez is off the board, Hannes makes for a great alternative at 14. He is the best scoring big in the class who also happens to be the biggest volume rebounder - sounds perfect for the Hornets. Allen Graves fits right into what the Hornets appreciate in a player and for that he is my preferred choice as a physical forward that could potentially usurp Miles Bridges' position. Quaintance: A freakish athlete on both ends of the court who can be a legit all-defensive guy in the NBA. Stirtz: Out of the guards I see falling to us (Chris Anderson Jr., Ebuka Okorie and himself), he is my preferred pick.

Final count (1st = 5 points, 2nd = 4 points, 3rd = 3 points, 4th = 2 points, 5th = 1 point): Morez Johnson 26, Hannes Steinbach 18, Jayden Quaintance 14, Cam Carr 5, Allen Graves 5, Yaxel Lendeborg 5, Aday Mara 5, Nate Ament 4, Dailyn Swain 4, Bennett Stirtz 3, Labaron Philon 2.

Is there a player you think would be worth trading up for?

DJ: Unless the Hornets are going to move into the top-4 for Cam Boozer or Caleb Wilson (it's not happening), I haven't seen a trade I'd consider "worth it." Lot's of people have pointed out the Mavericks as a potential target (perhaps 14 + 18 or 18 + the Mavs' 2027 pick gets it done), but I think the caliber of player you'd get at No. 9 is very similar to No. 14.

JL: Caleb Wilson, I'd give up almost anything outside of LaMelo. If this draft class is as good as evaluators say it is, then you probably shouldn't trade up for anyone outside of the Big 4 (Dybantsa, Wilson, Peterson, Boozer). Wilson is likely the guy going 4th, so it wouldn't cost as much as a trade into the Top-3 picks would. As for the fit on the Hornets, I think Wilson can be either a jumbo wing in the NBA or a tenacious forward. Continuing to develop his shot is key, but the explosive athleticism and defense we saw from Wilson when healthy is rare. He's probably my favorite player in this class, and it doesn't hurt that he went to the right school in North Carolina.

SS: No. This is obviously a really talented draft, but I don't think the difference between 14 & 18 and say the 10th pick is large enough for me to want to lose any capital. I think you can get just as good a player where we currently sit. Just not worth it to me. Now if we're talking the 4th pick for Caleb Wilson... maybe I need to change my answer.

JH: No. I'm pretty low on Mara for us I think, and don't see a world where a Yaxel team trades out of just taking him.

NT: Yes. I would absolutely trade up for Morez Johnson. While he may be available at pick 14, trading up to pick 11 seems reasonable to me. I'd move pick 14 and the Miami Heat's 2027 first round pick, lottery protected, for pick 11 and pick 54. While it may be a slight overpay, the Hornets have a surplus of 2027 picks, which doesn't project to be a particularly strong class.

MP: No.

Final Count: Don’t really know how to give a clean answer on this one. One person says yes for Morez Johnson. Pretty much everyone else says no with a few noting that changes if Caleb Wilson is available.

Give me your best case scenario for the 14th and 18th picks.

DJ: Morez Johnson and Jayden Quaintance. I want to be a bit realistic here, so I'll say my dream pairing is Morez Johnson and Jayden Quaintance - I'd love to double down on physical front court players that improve the physicality and interior defense of this Hornets team. I think Jeff Peterson will do his best to re-imagine Charlotte's front court, and a draft haul of these two would be an excellent starting point, in my opinion.

JL: Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson/Aday Mara. I'm a big continuity guy - the Michigan teammates proved they could work together at the highest level of college basketball, so I'd expect that chemistry to carry into the NBA. Ultimately, all of these players can give something to the frontcourt that the Hornets desperately need. Lendeborg can be a tertiary playmaker and plus defender at the 4, Johnson can be a good point of a attack defender and strong interior scorer if necessary, and Mara is a rare mover for being 7-foot-3 and close to 250 pounds. Hitting on two of the three Michigan players would allow the Hornets to focus on using their resources to add veteran talent and the guard and wing spots, which still need improvement if this team is going to make a playoff push.

SS: Morez Johnson and Hannes Steinbach. I think with these 2 players you're bringing in defense with one guy and offense with the other and hoping that one of them can figure out the other side and claim that starting spot in the front court. Maybe it's bit of an overlap positionally, but I think we're really thin in this spot and adding 2 guys there, who really could even play alongside each other down the line, in a perfect world isn't a bad way to go about it.

JH: Morez Johnson and Hannes Steinbach. Front court overhaul. Feels a lot better trading away Miles Bridges, Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaün when you add 2 new long term pieces who do things you want to be good at (LEE-BOUNDING), and they both could potentially see the court together if either / both of them put that 3-point shot together in a meaningful way.

NT: Morez Johnson and Dailyn Swain. Best case scenario the Hornets select Morez Johnson at 14 and Dailyn Swain at 18. Johnson's defense speaks for itself and slotting him at power forward gives Charlotte toughness and physicality needed at that spot. Swain gives Charlotte a true slashing wing off the bench, which the Hornets lacked this year. His defensive consistency needs to improve, but the tools are there. Additionally, he'll need to improve the jumper, but being surrounded by the Hornets' shooters is the optimal landing spot for him to grow early. While I love Jayden Quaintance's game and have him ranked higher than Swain, if he drops to 18 then that indicates to me the medicals are too risky, hence why I'd target Swain.

MP: Morez Johnson and Hannes Steinbach. Maybe it's a stretch to have Hannes fall to 18, but it's not unlikely and it has been mocked before. But with these two being my top two guys for the Hornets I'd be crazy if I said I wouldn't take them both. I totally get how drafting two bigs may seem odd but I just love the versatility of what them two plus Diabate and Kalkbrenner gives us. It covers anything we could need out of a center for any situation all while taking up very minimal cap-space going forward. Plus you could even run some interesting double big lineups alongside LaMelo, Kon, and Miller thanks to Morez and Hannes abilities to play the 4.

Final Count: Morez Johnson 4.5, Hannes Steinbach 3, Jayden Quaintance 1, Yaxel Lendeborg 1, Dailyn Swain 1, Aday Mara 0.5

One of my favorite offseason pastimes is the “Mock Offseason” exercise. Here’s a quick rundown of how I would approach this offseason, from the Draft, to free agency, and even some of my favorite trade ideas. Starting with the draft... we’re on the clock.

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Draft Night

Pick 14: Morez Johnson Jr., F, Michigan

I don’t know if he’ll really fall to us on Draft night, but I do know that he’s the perfect piece for us of who I project to be available. He’s one of the best athletes in the class, has a superb frame, great defensively inside and out, and (though not super developed) a very efficient offensive game. He rebounds at a high clip, making him a very palatable player for Charles Lee’s desire to not give up second chance possessions. The three-point shot leaves some to be desired, but the flashes are there, given his >34% rate this past season.

Pick 18: Cameron Carr, W, Baylor

The Baylor man is a 6’5 wing with a whopping 7’1 wingspan. He was forced to create a lot at Baylor given their lack of offensive initiators, which led to same red flags about his efficiency and turnover rate. That being said, he still managed to shoot 39% from three on good volume, and proved his value as a play finisher on both ends of the floor. He’s not an elite defender, but he can stick a guy. He needs to fill out his frame, but this run and gun style of wing is hard to not want to pair with LaMelo Ball.

Carr would give the bench unit some serious offensive pop to pair alongside their young pair of rotation defenders (Sion James, Ryan Kalkbrenner).

Free Agency

I heavily debated whether or not to send offer sheets at guys like Mitchell Robinson or Isaiah Hartenstein (assuming he was waived), but I elected to just make the following move:

Coby Signs for $54 Million over 3 years.

White quickly showed his value in the small sample size of games he played after the 2026 trade deadline, and keeping this talented of a guard to backup LaMelo Ball (especially given his record of games played…) is absolutely crucial. I want to maintain financial flexibility moving forward, either to make moves to take on more contracts for picks, or to make a splash next offseason in free agency.

Trade Idea:

Hornets Receive: Cameron Johnson

Nuggets Receive: Josh Green, Second Round Pick(s)

I’m not sure where the Nuggets value Cam Johnson anymore, but this move creates over $8 Million in cap room for a Nuggets team who’s trying to resign Peyton Watson to a new contract. The Hornets take on an annoying Nnaji contract using an exception made in the Tyus Jones deal this trade deadline. If the Nuggets asked for a future second round pick or two, I’d do it. Johnson is a solid rental for us, and would provide a nice boost off the bench as a scorer, or could start at the 4 if Miles Bridges were to be traded at some point. This move could also include Charlotte taking on Strawther or Nnaji’s contracts, if Denver would rather that than receive draft capital.

Alternative Trade Idea:

Hornets Receive: Jerami Grant

Trail Blazers Receive: Miles Bridges

Chicago Bulls Receive: Tre Mann, 2027 Second Round Pick (via NOP)

In this deal, the Hornets take on Jerami Grant in exchange for Miles Bridges and Tre Mann, as well as one of the “free picks” we’ve assimilated over Jeff’s years here. Grant would instantly be an upgrade for the front court, and is a more reliable creator and floor spacer than Miles. You do have to pay his 2-year, $70 million contract, but are rewarded with a proven NBA veteran and an extra roster spot.

Final Roster:

Guards: Ball, White, James

Wings: Knueppel, Miller, Carr, McNeeley

Forwards: Miller, Bridges, Johnson, Williams, Salaün

Bigs: Diabate, Kalkbrenner, Johnson Jr

The Hornets still have north of $50 Million in expiring contracts, allowing them flexibility looking at the deadline, and at free agency in the 2027 offseason. We added a valuable veteran floor spacer in Cameron Johnson, and two rookies who can immediately contribute off the bench on both ends of the floor.

Win-Loss Prediction: 46-36

End Season Standing: 7-8th Seed

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The second round isn’t the sexiest part of the draft, but every year quality role players emerge in the back half of the NBA Draft. The Charlotte Hornets don’t currently own a second round pick. However, second rounders are easy to acquire for the price of a future pick or even cash considerations. Below are five sleeper options that the Hornets ought to consider acquiring in the second round.

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Ugonna Onyenso, Virginia Big

The Hornets need interior defense and Ugonna Onyenso offers exactly that. Onyenso is a six-foot-eleven, springy athlete that is a proven shot blocker. Averaging 2.9 blocks per game last season, Onyenso impressed me with his ability to block almost any shot. Offensively, he’s limited but can serve as a lob threat early in his career.

If drafted by Charlotte, Onyenso will likely need time in the G League to get stronger and refine his offensive game. Despite his shot blocking prowess, Onyenso can be moved around on the block. Filling out his frame would elevate Onyenso from an intriguing two way prospect to a legitimate rotation big off the bench.

Onyenso alone won’t fix Charlotte’s defense, but he has the tools to be a key piece for the defense that most second rounders can’t match. If the Hornets are patient with him, then acquiring a mid second round pick to secure Onyenso would be a worthwhile project.

Quadir Copeland, NC State Point Guard

There are very few players as fun as Quadir Copeland in this year’s class. As a six-foot-five point guard who can drive, pass, and has the tools to defend there’s a lot to like about Copeland. Even if Charlotte retains Coby White, I believe it’s worth investing in a backup point guard due to LaMelo Ball’s injury history.

Copeland is quite effective at using his strength to drive downhill and score inside. He also looks very comfortable spraying the ball outside to the corners when the defense collapses and ran the pick and roll well at NC State. Furthermore, he’s adept at drawing fouls when he drives inside. When he’s playing smart, Copeland looks like a capable NBA point guard.

The issue with Copeland is he can play reckless at times. Copeland averaged 2.8 turnovers per game last year and often tried to make overly aggressive passes. Cutting down on those turnovers will be crucial to making it at the NBA level. Defensively he also plays out of control at times with unnecessary fouls and jumping for steals too aggressively. Still he’s a long, switchable defender who could become a valuable asset with good coaching.

The other major issue is Copeland’s shooting. His 39.7% three point percentage at NC State is deceptive. While his form improved last year, he shot on low volume and only when wide open. If defenses aren’t forced to respect Copeland’s three point shot, much of his ability to drive and kick passes out to the corner is reduced. Still, he’s worthy of a mid second round investment for Charlotte on a two way deal.

Dillon Mitchell, St. John’s Wing

Defensive wings are always valuable and the Hornets are in need of that type of player. Dillon Mitchell fits the bill as an athletic, versatile wing, similar to Michigan’s Morez Johnson, who’s a favorite among many Hornets fans. If Charlotte can’t land Johnson, Mitchell is a second project that would provide some of that defensive impact.

When looking for quality defenders, I always look for length, athleticism, and defensive engagement. Mitchell possesses all three and can be a switchable, NBA level defender from day one. He can also fight through screens, jump through passing lanes, and contest shots at a necessary level.

The problem for Mitchell is his offense is as limited as any draftable prospect this year. Outside of layups and dunks, Mitchell isn’t a scorer at this point in his career. Entering the league as a non-shooter is especially problematic and it will likely take years to fix the jump shot. The concern with Mitchell is without a jumpshot, he could be unplayable.

If there’s any solace in Mitchell’s offense, it is his ability to impact the game without scoring. Making smart passes and crashing the glass, Mitchell finds ways to do the little things right to compensate for his lack of scoring. That will have to continue as he works on his scoring ability.

There’s a real possibility where Mitchell is never playable at the NBA level. He’ll assuredly need a year or two in the G league on a two way deal to try to improve his offense. However, if he can develop some scoring ability, Mitchell can be a staple off the bench thanks to his defense. I would take a flyer on Mitchell anytime in the middle of the second round to roll the dice on the St. John’s wing.

Felix Okpara, Tennessee Big

As a proven SEC big, Okpara is tailormade to be a quality backup big. The Hornets need defense inside and Okpara would address that need with his interior presence. Okpara is a fluid athlete with shot blocking instincts, which should translate to give him a role early.

One of my favorite things about Okpara’s game is his ability to impact shots around the rim. While he only averaged 1.5 blocks per game, offensive players struggled with Okpara’s athleticism and instincts in the paint. Dropping him into the Hornets’ rotation gives Charlotte a real interior defensive presence that raises the floor.

Offensively, Okpara leaves a lot to be desired, which is why he’ll be available in the second round. As a screener and lob threat Okpara showed promise. Beyond that however, Okpara is an offensive liability. Okpara isn’t much of a threat to shoot and nothing good happens when he’s asked to go get a bucket. Okpwara will need to spend significant time in the G League working on his offensive fundamentals. Even so, Charlotte should consider moving into the second round to acquire Okpara’s services.

Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Tennessee Point Guard

Sticking with the theme of Tennessee prospects, Ja’Kobi Gillespie has all the makings of an NBA backup point guard. Measuring in just under six feet tall without elite athleticism, Gillespie will be fighting an uphill battle in the NBA. However, Gillespie makes the most of what he has to work with.

Gillespie was tasked with orchestrating Tennessee’s offense last season and did a good job. While the Vols typically aren’t a great offense and needed him to save possessions throughout the year, Gillespie managed to hit tough shots inside and outside. With proper NBA structure around him, I expect Gillespie to thrive with better shots available.

Gillespie’s handle is genuinely impressive and uses it to make up for being an average athlete. For an undersized guard, this is a must have. As Gillespie adjusts to the NBA level, he projects to be a dangerous presence on the perimeter and capable of running the offense off the bench.

Despite his impressive offensive skill, the reality is that Gillespie’s size and athletic traits will limit his upside. He would likely struggle if forced into action as a starter, which the Hornets will need to factor in with Ball’s injury history. In the event Ball misses time, Coby White would likely need to start rather than Gillespie if White resigns this offseason. Still, Gillespie gives plenty of effort defensively and could get by as a defender when facing opposing teams’ bench units.

Gillespie is one of the biggest names projected to go in the second round this year, so Charlotte would need to acquire a top 45 pick rather than a top 60 pick if they want him. Still, every team needs a quality player to run the second team offense and Gillespie fits that role well. He’s a talented offensive playmaker and likely wouldn’t need as much time in the G League as the other options in this list. If Charlotte wants to pair a White with a quality offensive piece, Gillespie would pair well with him and be a worthwhile pick.

The Hornets have done well already in the second round with Sion Jams and Ryan Kalkbrenner contributing as rookies last season. If Jeff Peterson is interested in dipping into the second round again this season, there are plenty of options that would make for valuable role player in Charlotte.

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The NBA Draft is close, and I’ve finalized the grades I’ve given each player in this cycle. Below, you’re going to find my final 2026 NBA Draft Big Board, separated into tiers.

How do I stack players?

I typically tend to value players that are rare - bigger, skilled wings and forwards, outlier defenders - players that you don’t normally find in the draft. For the same reason, you’ll find that I’m lower on smaller guards, rim running big men, etc. It’s much harder for me to justify spending a first-round pick on a player that is easily replacable.

This is my own board based on players evaluated in a vacuum. I recognize that each NBA team will have their own board based upon their scheme and roster construction.

Closer to the draft, I will have a Hornets big board projection - my best guess at how the Hornets stack their top-20 players.

For now, let’s get into the board:

Tier 1: The Top-4

1. Cam Boozer - F - Duke

Boozer’s intersection of feel, skill, and size is rare, and I do think he deserves more of a look for the first overall pick, despite his name not really coming up regarding it.

Boozer was one of the most productive freshmen in CBB history and brings a modern skill set.

2. Darryn Peterson - G - Kansas

You really do have to look back at the high school tape with Darryn Peterson, he was electric with the ball in his hands both from an athleticism and playmaking standpoint.

The shooting, to me, is going to be elite, and I think Peterson has the length and want-to to eventually become a really solid NBA defender.

There was a lot of weirdness around his season at Kansas, but there wasn’t really any prospect that compares to Peterson at his best.

3. AJ Dybantsa - W/F - BYU

I had AJ Dybantsa for a short time, and he’s a great prospect, but I worry about his modern NBA fit a bit more than the top-2.

Still, I think you can pencil in Dybantsa as a 20+ PPG scorer with the length and feel to become much more than that.

4. Caleb Wilson - F - UNC

Caleb Wilson isn’t really talked much about considering how the caliber of the other three players in this class, but he’s an incredible talent as well. I think he’s a similar caliber prospect to Dylan Harper in last year’s draft, and would be the first overall pick in a weaker draft class.

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Tier 2: Surefire Lottery Players

5. Mikel Brown - G - Louisville

I’ve finally settled on Mikel Brown as my favorite player of the next tier of guys. He’s reminiscent of LaMelo Ball to me, a creative playmaker that sometimes has lapses in judgement, but has the potential to become an offensive engine for whoever selects him.

If I’m the Clippers, I wouldn’t really even think twice about this pick.

6. Kingston Flemings - G - Houston

I waned a little bit on Kingston Flemings after he measured in smaller than I expected at the NBA Draft Combine, but I won’t let that stop me from having him this high. I think there’s a really high floor with Flemings, a playmaking guard that can get downhill and guard players at a high level.

At his best, he’s game-takeover good.

7. Keaton Wagler - G - Illinois

Among the surefire lottery guards, Keaton Wagler will have the most ability to scale down to a smaller role, in my opinion. He brings elite shooting and playmaking.

While there are questions about his athleticism, I do think he’s crafty enough to where he can get where he wants despite the lack of burst.

8. Jayden Quaintance - B - Kentucky

I am a believer in Jayden Quaintance. I don’t have access to his medicals, so I’m choosing to believe in the prospect here.

Quaintance was a dominant defensive big man at 17 years old in college basketball. He would have been a top-5 pick if eligible in the 2025 NBA Draft, and I’m choosing to believe that whoever takes him in 2026 will be getting a player at a massive discount.

9. Darius Acuff - G - Arkansas

Darius Acuff is so sick, man. He’s an efficient scoring guard that could be one of the “small-no-defense” guard outliers - a Jalen Brunson-type.

Still, the path to winning basketball is more narrow with Acuff than it is with Flemings/Brown/Wagler, to me.

10. Brayden Burries - G/W - Arizona

Burries is still a top-10 player in this draft class to me. He’s good at getting downhill, has a lot of athleticism, gives a ton of effort on both ends of the court, and can shoot it at a decent level.

11. Nate Ament - F - Tennessee

I will end up higher on Nate Ament than most people. I think that when you project him to a smaller role than what he had at Tennessee, you’re going to see a lot less of the mistakes and errors he made at the college level.

Ament is a jumbo-sized forward that has ball skills and can shoot it. That’s just not a player that is available in the late lottery very often. I think, bare minimum, if he’s only a catch-and-shoot forward at the NBA level, that’s still a valuable player.

But based on the highs of what we saw at Tennessee, I’m okay thinking he can outplay his draft slot. The floor-ceiling combination is simply better than what I think most people perceive with Ament.

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Tier 3: Bubble Lottery Grades

12. Morez Johnson - B - Michigan

Morez Johnson projects to be a really good role player, to me. Someone like Isaiah Stewart would be a good comparison.

Johnson is a physical, dominant athlete that moves really well, has the potential to shoot it at the NBA level, and can guard 4s and 5s.

I think the ceiling is a bit limited on Johnson since he’s not really a creator, but I think the odds that Johnson is a good role player is very high.

13. Hannes Steinbach - B - Washington

Steinbach has a really unique profile for a bit. I can see the upside here: he’s elite at a few things: scoring on the inside and rebounding.

I also think that while there are defensive concerns with Steinbach, he’s a much more functional athlete than the players he’s commonly compared to (like Alperen Sengun). I think there’s a really good chance Steinbach becomes a solid two-way big man at the NBA level.

14. Labaron Philon - G - Alabama

Every time I want to quit Labaron Philon, I think about how scalable his skill set is. While he wasn’t a great defender at Alabama this year, it’s because he was one of the best advantage creators in the country.

Combine his freshman and sophomore tape and you have a really well-rounded guard prospect.

15. Cam Carr - W - Baylor

Carr is a 100th percentile athlete for the shooting guard position. He’s going to be a really good play finisher (whether it’s at the rim or shooting it from deep), and the defensive tools are great (even if he’s not a great point of attack defender right now).

16. Karim Lopez - W/F - INTL

Karim Lopez is another unique profile. The highest-regarded international prospect this year, Lopez is a good vertical athlete and can handle the ball really well for his size. I have questions about his modern NBA fit since he’s a bit rough around the edges guarding perimeter players and shooting from distance.

17. Bennett Stirtz - G - Iowa

I’ve gone back and forth on Stirtz, but he’s a player I think could end up as a really good starting point guard. He’s an elite shooter and scorer, and the only real question I have about his translation to the NBA is whether the pace at Iowa was too slow.

18. Aday Mara - B - Michigan

Aday Mara is a good big man prospect, but I’m not as sold on him as other evaluators are. He’s lengthy, has great vision for a big man, but I don’t think he’s as impactful defensively as some other jumbo-centers we’ve seen, and I question the late breakout with Mara.

19. Yaxel Lendeborg - F - Michigan

I’m lower on Lendeborg than most - I really fade these older prospects, but I can see a world where he contributes to an NBA starting lineup from game one.

Lendeborg has a well-rounded skill set, and could go anywhere from the mid-lottery to late-teens.

20. Allen Graves - F/B - Santa Clara

Allen Graves is an analytics darling. I had him as high as 16 at one point, but I’ve soured a little bit later in the process. While he’s incredibly promising - he also was a sixth man for a team in a weak conference, and I don’t know if the ceiling would justify him being a lottery pick, even with the high-end shooting and impactful defending. He’s the last of my “bubble lottery” grades.

Tier 4: Firm First-Round Grades

21. Koa Peat - F - Arizona

22. Chris Cenac - B - Houston

23. Dailyn Swain - W/F - Texas

24. Ebuka Okorie - G - Stanford

25. Christian Anderson - G - Texas Tech

26. Isaiah Evans - W - Duke

Tier 5: Guaranteed Money Grades

27. Joshua Jefferson - F - Iowa State

28. Sergia de Larrea - G - INTL

29. Trevon Brazile - F - Arkansas

30. Zuby Ejiofor - F - St. John’s

31. Tarris Reed - B - UConn

32. Maleek Thomas - G/W - Arkansas

33. Henri Veesaar - B - UNC

34. Jack Kayil - G - INTL

35. Alex Karaban - F - UConn

Tier 6: 2-Way Contract Caliber Players

36. Maliq Brown - F - Duke

37. Jaden Bradley - G - Arizona

38. Braden Smith - G - Purdue

39. Dash Daniels - W - INTL

40. Nick Martinelli - F - Northwestern

41. Ryan Conwell - G - Louisville

42. Quadir Copeland - G/W - NC State

43. Ja’Kobe Gillespie - G - Tennessee

44. Seth Trimble - G - UNC

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