Charlotte Hornets: Swarm and Sting 2021 NBA Mock Draft

There are several different ways Charlotte can go this year in the draft. The glaring need for a rim-protecting center has received plenty of shouts so I feel the need to explain why I didn’t go that direction before people show up with pitchforks in my Twitter mentions.

Looking at who’s been drafted already in the S&S mock, the decision for Charlotte came down to two prospects, Moses Moody and the uber-athletic Keon Johnson. Simply put, they’re just better prospects than Kai Jones or Isaiah Jackson, the two big men who many think fill Charlotte’s center hole.

Both of those centers are very raw and lack much upside. As a big man, the only thing you will likely be getting from them is sporadic shot-blocking, lobs, and rim-running, which is cool and makes for a great YouTube video, but the value just isn’t there at all 11 in this mock.

Especially when looking at who’s available. Guys who have All-Star potential, while realistically Jackson and Jones’s potential is topping out as starters/energy bigs, which isn’t bad, but again, there are better options available.

At just 19 years old Moody already has a refined game and is considered to be one of the safer, high-floor guys in this draft class. However, the only thing really keeping Moody from being a consensus high-ceiling, top-10 pick, is his lack of athleticism and handle that would give him true star potential.

Moody was considered to be one of the best shooters in the NCAA last season, knocking down around 36% of his threes on about 5.1 attempts per game. He also possesses a crafty mid-range game which is needed from your star guys if you’re looking to make a run in the playoffs.

On top of his offensive abilities, Moody is considered to be one of the best defensive prospects in this class. He may not have the flashy blocks that a Jackson or Jones will have, but I would bet that he will be a more impactful defensive player in his career. Perimeter defense matters.

Moody should be able to come into this Charlotte team and immediately be productive. He likely won’t be an immediate starter due to Charlotte’s depth at the guard and forward position, but he’ll be a solid rotation piece and maybe the long-term answer next to LaMelo Ball in the backcourt as Terry Rozier will be a free agent in 2022. – Stephen Sears

Post-Trade Note: Moody would have been the selection at 10 for Memphis, so Keon Johnson would have been selected at 11 for the Hornets.