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Charlotte Hornets: Unofficial 2018 NBA draft big board

By Noah Elmore

Charlotte Hornets 2017 NBA Draft (Photo by Ashlee Espinal/NBAE via Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets 2017 NBA Draft (Photo by Ashlee Espinal/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 14: DeAndre Ayton #35 Arizona, in action during the Jordan Brand Classic, National Boys Team All-Star basketball game at The Barclays Center on April 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 14: DeAndre Ayton #35 Arizona, in action during the Jordan Brand Classic, National Boys Team All-Star basketball game at The Barclays Center on April 14, 2017 in New York City. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images) /

The Hornets likely won’t be picking in the lottery next season, but that’s no reason not to be prepared. Take a look at how 2018’s top prospects should be ranked for Charlotte.

We’ve written a bit here and there about some potential fits for the Charlotte Hornets. While odds suggest they’ll be picking around the 15-20 range, that’s no reason to not prepare for some of the top prospects. The draft class of 2018 is packed with talent, so let’s take a look at the five players the Hornets could have atop their big board.

5. DeAndre Ayton – C, Arizona

The massive big man out of The Bahamas will be playing for the Wildcats out west this season. Standing at seven feet tall, Ayton is an incredible physical presence in the paint. He’s been praised for being a unique combination of skill and size, something that is difficult to teach.

Arizona will likely have an offense centered around plenty of pick and rolls with Ayton, and will certainly hope he anchors their defense.

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Ayton falls to five on the speculative list for a few reasons. Mike Schmitz’s weakness breakdown here sums up many of his issues. For someone who should be dominating the interior almost every possession, Ayton often appears lost.

He lacks a back to the basket game and doesn’t truly appear to have an expert’s grasp on the game. While that could certainly change, Ayton has not necessarily been praised for his work ethic.

Additionally, Ayton would be a relatively redundant pick for the Hornets. While Dwight Howard is growing a little long in the tooth, he still projects to play heavy minutes going forward. Cody Zeller has a very similar skill set as well, and will certainly be around for some time to come.

Finally, Steve Clifford’s defensive scheme is very demanding, and low effort players almost never crack the rotation.