Charlotte Hornets Early NBA Draft: James Wiseman might be the answer

With all of the issues that Charlotte Hornets are having in their frontcourt, James Wiseman may be the solution to the team’s lack of paint defense.

The Charlotte Hornets have not fared well this season in the paint, and it seems that the team is being scored on at will by opposing offenses. The Hornets are currently ranked at #30 in the league in paint points allowed per game.

The Hornets currently have two centers who have not played defense well in the paint this season, and both are averaging under one block per game. The Hornets lack length at the center position, and James Wiseman may be the perfect candidate for Charlotte’s future defense.

On Wednesday, CBS Sports reported that Wiseman was suspended for twelve games based on recruiting inducements his family received prior to enrolling at the University of Memphis. Wiseman is set to come back and play on January 12th against South Florida.

Wiseman is a talented player, and this suspension could affect his draft stock. Even with him sitting out, Hornets fans should take note of the game he gets to play in after his suspension is served.

About James Wiseman

Height: 7’1”

Weight: 240 pounds

Wingspan: 7’6″

2019-20 stats: (three games): 19.7  points, 10.7 rebounds, 3.0 blocks, 77% FG, 23.0 minutes

Strengths:

• Young and talented (turns 18 in March of 2020)
• Great size and length
• Great athlete who is fast and has a high motor
• Finishes well at the rim
• Great footwork in the post
• Excels at being a defensive shot-blocker
• Excellent basketball IQ in the post on offense and defense

Weaknesses:

• Lacks a solid perimeter jump shot (has potential though)
• Needs to improve at the free-throw line
• Has the potential to improve his physicality in the paint
• Must continue to take care of the basketball

James Wiseman was the #1 recruit coming out of high school. The talent is there, and he will potentially be a top-ten pick in the draft if he declares for the draft after this season.

Many critics predict that the Charlotte Hornets will be in the lottery again next year, so there’s a chance for Charlotte to pick Wiseman. The Hornets should have an open spot for another center following this season because of Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez’s expiring deals.

The Hornets may not be looking to draft a point guard in the 2020 draft since Devonte’ Graham is having a breakout season this year. Drafting a center looks like the most logical thing to do since the team will have openings in their frontcourt.

It’ll be exciting to see how Wiseman does when he comes back from his suspension. Wiseman is already on pace to finish the first year of his college career with 20+ points, 10+ rebounds, and 2+ blocks per game.

If Charlotte does not see an improvement in production in their frontcourt this season, then I expect the Hornets to go after Wiseman. This player can really change how the Hornets approach their game in the paint.