Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft: 5 defenders to target with the 11th pick
Usman Garuba – Age: 19 – Real Madrid (Spain) – Power Forward/Center
Spanish big man Usman Garuba just may be the best overall defensive prospect in this entire class. Garuba hails from Real Madrid which features in Spain’s Liga ACB and the Euroleague which have both become to be known as two of the top basketball leagues outside of the NBA.
At 19 years old, Garuba is one of the few teens who became a regular starter in a grown man’s league. He’s appeared in a combined 112 games in both leagues and is on Spain’s 2020 Tokyo Olympic roster.
Garuba fits the mold of a modern NBA big man. He’s only 6’8″, but is built like an ox and has an incredible wingspan at 7’3. He’s showcased the ability to defend on and off-ball and will very likely be able to hold his own when switched 1-5.
He possesses great lateral movement, versatility, and is going to give you 110% on the defensive end of the floor. Offensively there isn’t a lot there but he’s still very young and has time and the potential to develop.
Garuba would be a great fit on this Hornets roster. He has all the tools defensively that Charlotte would be looking for from a big man. He isn’t a true rim protector at 7 feet tall but he’ll be able to hold up just fine on the defensive end of the court.
Keon Johnson – Age: 19 – Tennessee – Shooting Guard
Keon Johnson just might be the most athletic prospect in this class. Not only can he jump out of the gym, but Johnson just might have the most potential out of anyone in this class outside of the consensus top 5.
Like his Tennessee running mate Springer, Johnson is a very raw prospect who excelled on the defensive end. Johnson has the upside to be an elite, high-impact, on and off-ball defender in the NBA who should be able to guard 1-4 (depending on who the 4 is).
While Springer was asked to be the primary on-ball defender for the Volunteers, Johnson made his plays with anticipation and in the lanes. He’s very quick laterally, has quick hands, and is very good at recovering if he does get beat.
Offensively, the only thing he’s got in his bag right now is cutting and using his athleticism to drive and play above the rim. He’s got real hope as a shooter, and if he becomes consistent with that he has superstar potential.
Johnson makes all the sense in the world for the Hornets. Elite defense and extremely high potential. If he doesn’t pan out to be a star at the very least you know you’re getting a great defensive player.