NBA Draft: Five Draft Prospects the Charlotte Hornets Should Desire Most

Precious Achiuwa

If the Charlotte Hornets fall to pick 11 or 12, Memphis forward/center Precious Achiuwa is a great option.

When Wiseman left the team after battling an NCAA eligibility issue, Achiuwa’s role increased significantly. He became the man in the middle, filling the role that coach Penny Hardaway had initially given Wiseman.

Though Achiuwa filled in for Wiseman, his game more closely aligns with Toppin’s. At 6’9 225, Achiuwa is almost the same size as Toppin, and much like the latter, he has a solid shooting stroke, making a third of his threes this past season.

Achiuwa is likely not a star in the making. However, if the Hornets fall that far in the draft, they can not expect to be drafting one.

The role that Achiuwa could fill is the same one that Wiseman, Toppin, or Okongwu could: an athletic scorer/rebounder to fill the middle around four guards and wings.

Achiuwa averaged a double-double this year as well as 1.9 blocks and 1.2 steals. Achiuwa can defend both the paint and the outside, and he can be an efficient playmaker in both areas on offense as well.

In Achiuwa, the Charlotte Hornets would not be drafting their franchise cornerstone, but they would add another strong role player to this young core that is ready to blossom.

With the sports world on hold, fans can’t help but wait for the NBA draft, especially Charlotte Hornets fans. When it does take place, though, the Queen City will definitely be paying close attention.