Last week, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Phoenix Suns four games to two in route to winning their franchise’s first NBA Championship since 1971. Thursday, the Charlotte Hornets will look to add three players to their roster that will help the team in their quest to become consistent playoff contenders with the ultimate goal of capturing the franchise’s first NBA championship.
During the 2020-21 campaign, the Hornets moved up in the draft lottery to the third overall selection and selected new franchise cornerstone and eventual Rookie of the Year award winner, LaMelo Ball. Charlotte also added a veteran presence to the roster in former Utah Jazz and Boston Celtic star, Gordon Hayward. Those two additions, with the stellar play from the team’s most valuable player Terry Rozier, a breakout season from third-year forward Miles Bridges, and the continued development of Charlotte’s other young players propelled the team to their first postseason play since the 2015-16 season.
With the 2021 NBA Draft just days away, it’s time to present the official Swarm & Sting Big Board. These rankings take into consideration player evaluations from the Swarm & Sting staff as well as scouting reports and feedback from various experts in the industry.
This big board is not specific to the Hornets, nor is a mock draft. This is simply a ranking of the best 75 prospects available in this year’s draft.
To kick thing’s off, here are the Top 25 prospects available on Thursday night:
1. Cade Cunningham, G/F, Oklahoma State | Height: 6′ 7″ | Weight: 220
2. Evan Mobley, C, USC | Height: 7′ 0″ | Weight: 215
3. Jalen Green, G, G-League | Height: 6′ 6″ | Weight: 180
4. Jalen Suggs, G, Gonzaga | Height: 6′ 4″ | Weight: 205
5. Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State | Height: 6′ 9″ | Weight: 225
6. Jonathan Kuminga, F, G-League | Height: 6′ 7″ | Weight: 220
7. Davion Mitchell, G, Baylor | Height: 6′ 1″ | Weight: 200
8. James Bouknight, G, UConn | Height: 6′ 5″ | Weight: 190
9. Keon Johnson, G/F, Tennesse | Height: 6′ 5″ | Weight: 185
10. Moses Moody, G, Arkansas | Height: 6′ 6″ | Weight: 210
11. Josh Giddey, G, Adelaide 36ers | Height: 6′ 8″ | Weight: 205
12. Ziaire Williams, F, Stanford | Height: 6′ 9″ | Weight: 190
13. Jalen Johnson, F, Duke | Height: 6′ 9″ | Weight: 220
14. Kai Jones, C, Texas | Height: 6′ 11″ | Weight: 220
15. Corey Kispert, F, Gonzaga | Height: 6′ 7″ | Weight: 225
16. Chris Duarte, G, Oregon | Height: 6′ 6″ | Weight: 190
17. Trey Murphy, F, Virginia | Height: 6′ 9″ | Weight: 205
18. Franz Wagner, F, Michigan | Height: 6′ 9″ | Weight: 220
19. Jaden Springer, G, Tennessee | Height: 6′ 4″ | Weight: 205
20. Cameron Thomas, G, LSU | Height: 6′ 3″ | Weight: 200
21. Alperen Sengun, F/C, Besiktas | Height: 6′ 9″ | Weight: 240
22. Isaiah Jackson, F/C, Kentucky | Height: 6′ 10″ | Weight: 205
23. Nah’Son Hyland, G, VCU | Height: 6′ 3″ | Weight: 170
24. Joshua Primo, G, Alabama | Height: 6′ 5″ | Weight: 195
25. Isaiah Todd, C/F, G-League | Height: 6′ 10″ | Weight: 210