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Five players the Charlotte Hornets should avoid in the 2017 NBA Draft

By Jerry Stephens

Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) works around Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) during the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 3, 2017; Phoenix, AZ, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) works around Gonzaga Bulldogs guard Silas Melson (0) during the second half in the championship game of the 2017 NCAA Men's Final Four at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots a free throw against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the second half in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots a free throw against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the second half in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Zach Collins

If you’re not taking Markkanen, then there is no reason to select Collins.

Zach is Gonzaga’s first one and done player in the school’s history. After only averaging 10.0 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game his freshman year, the 7-footer decided to go pro. His impressive run in the NCAA tournament put him in the draft lottery.

To me, Collins is unproven. Of the top-20 prospects, Zach and Ike Anigbogu were the only two players who averaged under 11 points per game this past college season (excluding international players). He might have had a good showing in the tournament but there is just too much unknown surrounding the 19-year old for Charlotte to take a chance on him.

Even though there are plenty of scouts who are in love with his potential and upside, Charlotte should learn from their past mistakes. Kaminsky, Noah Vonleh and Cody Zeller should be enough proof that they don’t need to select a big man based on his potential alone.

Just like in Markkanen’s case, the Hornets don’t need another stretch 7-footer on their roster. And that’s what Collins would give them.

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