Charlotte Hornets: 5 players to draft with 11th pick

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ISTANBUL, TURKEY – MARCH 23: Alperen Sengun of Besiktas Icrypex poses for a photo during an interview in Istanbul, Turkey on March 23, 2021. (Photo by Elif Ozturk/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images) /

Turkey center Alperen Şengün is the 15th ranked overall prospect by ESPN.

If the Hornets want to draft by need and take a center, Alperen Şengün is arguably the second-best center in the draft behind only Evan Mobley, who will be long gone by pick 11.

Şengün has been compared to being the next Nikola Jokic type center who can play down low while also being a ball-handler and distributor.

At 18-years-old, Şengün was the Turkish League MVP award last year, averaging 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game.

According to ESPN, Şengün’s physical comparisons stack up most to Julius Randle, Domantas Sabonis, and Kevin Love.

At 6-foot-10, Şengün isn’t the biggest guy but has great footwork in the paint, can distribute, and is an excellent offensive rebounder.

The biggest weakness for Şengün is his size and how he will play against bigger centers. He also isn’t the most developed defender, which is something Charlotte wants in a big man.

And of course, the biggest question mark is how will he adjust from the European game to the NBA?