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Five Players That the Charlotte Hornets Could Draft

ByJoshua Powell|
Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) shoots over Villanova Wildcats defense during the second half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men
Apr 4, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Brice Johnson (11) shoots over Villanova Wildcats defense during the second half in the championship game of the 2016 NCAA Men
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Feb 9, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) posts up against Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Michigan State 82-81 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2016; West Lafayette, IN, USA; Purdue Boilermakers center A.J. Hammons (20) posts up against Michigan State Spartans forward Gavin Schilling (34) at Mackey Arena. Purdue defeats Michigan State 82-81 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

With the NBA draft fast approaching and plenty of question marks for the Charlotte Hornets in the off-season this year, many fans are wondering about the teams pick.

The 2016 NBA Draft is almost upon us and there is a lot of mystery this season. This draft class is very deep and one of the better draft classes in many years. Even picking at number 22 could land a potential future starter for the Charlotte Hornets.

At the very least, much-needed depth could be added to the bench. The team could use a cheap option that they could acquire through the draft for an important summer ahead. We are going to take a look at five players to keep an eye on for potential draft picks for the Hornets.

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AJ Hammons C Purdue

Pros

One of my favorite potential picks and a player who could easily provide better defense in the paint from day one is AJ Hammons. He led the Big Ten Conference in blocks all four years he was in college. That alone is incredible but he is not just a great defender in the paint. He has a very good post game as well. Hammons could step in immediately and play similar to Frank Kaminsky. He will no doubt play center at 7’0 and 260 pounds.

Cons

Even though you probably read the pros for Hammons and thought “why is this guy sliding to us at pick 22 instead of being a top ten pick?” There is a reason. That reason is because Hammons has a problem with disappearing in games for big stretches. It could be fatigue but it could be his mentality as well.

Another big minus for many teams is the fact Hammons is already approaching 24 (will be 24 in August). Meaning by now, he could get better, but he is who he is in terms of how he plays in the paint.

NBA Comparison

Brook Lopez

Scout Video

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