With the 11th pick in next week’s draft, The Charlotte Hornets are in a great position to address their well-known need for a big.
The idea big for the Hornets would be one that can fully unlock the playmaking abilities of LaMello Ball-athletic and can space the floor with consistent shooting. Shooting, athleticism, and size are the common themes of the Hornets’ potential draft picks regardless of position. Here are a few targets that they may take at 11.
Moses Moody G-Arkansas
Moody is a wing but at 6’6 with a 7-foot wingspan, picking him wouldn’t be necessarily wrong. He is a solid 3-and-D option at the two or at small forward. Moody is versatile on defense; he can switch and has sound footwork. Offensively, Moody hits shots off the catch and showed flashes of making shots off the dribble. If Charlotte picks Moody at 11, they can find a dependable big in free agency.
Kai Jones F/C-Texas
The Hornets have a huge need for a big and Jones would be a perfect fit. At 6’11, 220, Jones is very much a project to develop. He has athleticism; can rim run and has shown flashes of skill. The former is what Hornets need. The latter would be a great bonus if they have the patience to develop Jones beyond catching lobs and protecting the paint.
Keon Johnson G-Tennessee
Johnson set the NBA Draft Combine record with a 48-inch vertical leap. If the Hornets draft Johnson, they will get an athletic guard to pair with Ball on the break. Defensively, Johnson has the potential for disruption in the vein of the Sixers’ Matisse Thybulle. Johnson is a raw talent with shooting concerns. However, if the Hornets are patient enough to develop Johnson into a reliable and consistent player offensively, then picking him might be worth the gamble.
Isaiah Jackson C-Kentucky
Jackson had a second workout with the Hornets recently; meaning that the possibility of him being picked at 11 is high. Again, the Hornets need a big to address concerns with rebounding and protecting the paint. What’s worth noting is during the only season Ball played at the SPIRE Institute, Jackson was the center and vertical threat on that team. His connection with Ball aside, Jackson has a wingspan of 7-feet and can run in the open court, and that’s what the Hornets need from their bigs especially on the break. Last season, the Hornets ranked 10th in fastbreak points at 13.6 points per game. Adding Jackson would definitely help score more points in transition.