The 2021 NBA Draft is days away and Charlotte Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak should be working night and day to finalize his draft board as he looks to continue building to the young core that Charlotte has built.
During Kupchak’s tenure as general manager, he’s brought in Miles Bridges, PJ Washington, and 2021 Rookie of the Year Award winner LaMelo Ball in the first round. Charlotte has also been fairly successful in the second round, finding contributors in Devonte’ Graham, Cody Martin, and Jalen McDaniels.
The draft strategy of the Kupchak regime isn’t too clear as some people claim; he tends to side with safer two-year players (Washington and Bridges) as opposed to high-upside players. This could probably be debunked with last year’s selections of Ball, and Vernon Carey Jr.
With Ball storming onto the scene, it is now crucial that the job of the Hornets front office is to bring in players who fit on Ball’s timeline. For the draft, this means bringing in rookies that can grow alongside Ball to be ready to compete in the playoffs.
Role players are needed, but when you have a mid-lottery pick you need to take full advantage of the potential that pick can bring. The Hornets are also blessed to have a good amount of cap space going into a free agency, where they can plug holes and be ready to compete next season.
Hornets GM Mitch Kupchak said he expects to get a younger player 18- 19-year old at No. 11. He said some older players will be considered.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) July 26, 2021
Mitch Kupchack said the Hornets will not hunt a center in the draft. He'll draft the best available player.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) July 26, 2021
Here are three prospects that fit Ball’s timeline.