The Charlotte Hornets continue to be one of the league’s most underwhelming teams ever since NBA icon Michael Jordan took over the franchise formerly known as the Bobcats. As their reward for remaining in NBA purgatory, they have the third overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft and two picks in the second round.
It would be foolhardy to believe that the Hornets will be championship contenders or have figured out the key to be perennial playoff contenders within the next couple of years. However, with a top-three selection and a few promising players that are currently on the roster, they could be slowly edging back towards respectability.
Related: Full Charlotte Hornets 2020 Salary Cap Preview
2020 NBA Draft Picks
| No. 3 overall | No. 32 overall | No. 56 overall |
Hornets Draft Needs
At this point, the only position that the Hornets don’t need help at is point guard, as Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham are not only Charlotte’s most productive players but play the same position.
Looking at the rest of their young core, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington are both solid forwards who make an impact on both sides of the ball. Malik Monk, who averaged 10.3 points per game last season, looks as if he can man the role of sixth man.
Outside of those five players, the Hornets have serious work to do and a difficult decision to make with the third overall pick in particular.
Because today’s league is driven by offensive talent and Charlotte was 30th in points per game last season (102.9), finding players who excel at putting the ball in the bucket is the Hornets’ main priority. With Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez on the way out, there’s one player who may fit the bill better than any other: James Wiseman.
2020 NBA Draft Prospect Watchlist
| No. 3 overall pick | No. 32 overall pick | No. 56 overall |
| C James Wiseman, Memphis | PG Kira Lewis Jr., Alabama | G-F Mason Jones, Arkansas |
| C Onyeka Okongwu, USC | PG Cole Anthony, UNC | G-F Abdoulaye N’doye, AS Monaco |
| SG Anthony Edwards, Georgia | C Aleksej Pokuseveski, Olympiacos | SF Josh Hall, Moravian |
| F-C Obi Toppin, Dayton | PG Immanuel Quickley, Kentucky | SG Justinian Jessup, Boise State |
| PG LaMelo Ball, Illawara | C Daniel Oturu, Minnesota | G-F Naji Marshall, Xavier |
What The Mocks Are Saying
| The Ringer | Onyeka Okongwu (No. 3) |
| The Athletic | Anthony Edwards (No. 3), Elijah Hughes (No. 32), Naji Marshall (No. 56) |
| USA TODAY Sports | LaMelo Ball (No. 3) |
| CBS Sports | LaMelo Ball (No. 3) |
| The Score | Anthony Edwards (No. 3) |
Projected Roster
| PG | Terry Rozier |
| PG | Devonte’ Graham |
| SG | Malik Monk |
| SF | Miles Bridges |
| SF | Nicolas Batum |
| SF | Caleb Martin |
| SF | Cody Martin |
| F | Ray Spalding* |
| PF | P.J. Washington |
| PF | Jalen McDaniels |
| C | Cody Zeller |
