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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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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots the ball against Texas Southern Tigers guard Zach Lofton (2) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels forward Justin Jackson (44) shoots the ball against Texas Southern Tigers guard Zach Lofton (2) during the second half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Justin Jackson

The local college player who is coming off of a career-best season that resulted in a NCAA National Championship is easy to fall in love with but the Hornets would be reaching if they took Jackson at No. 11. While he is the two-way wing player that they need, his upside is low when compared to other prospects.

He is the only the only player in the top-19 of DraftExpress’ top-100 who is over 22-years old. Unless Jackson is going to replace MKG in the starting lineup then there is no reason to take him. Kidd-Gilchrist has already spent five years in the NBA and is only one year older than Justin. The 6’8 forward may add more shooting than what Michael offers but I don’t think he would be that much of an improvement.

Jackson averaged 18.4 points during his junior year and shot 36.8% from three. He seems like the perfect fit for Charlotte as a two-way wing who can defend and shoot. The only problem is that he will be nothing more than a role player at the pro level. The Hornets need a player who could be a starter either immediately or in a few year’s time with this lottery selection.

This may be the team’s only chance to grab a young prospect who can play alongside Kemba Walker and help make them perennial playoff contenders. With that being said, they need someone who can be more than a role player. I see Jackson as more of a mid to late first round pick, not someone the Hornets should be looking at in the lottery because of his limited upside.

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