Charlotte Hornets: 2022 NBA Lottery Mock Draft 1.0

#11 Malaki Branham, G, Ohio State – New York Knicks

Speaking of desperate guard needs, the Knicks have to take a guard in the lottery this season. Branham is about the only one left in the upper tier of prospects, so New York may look to move up and snag one of the other guards I have mocked higher on this list.

#12 Jalen Duren, C, Memphis – Oklahoma City Thunder

Coming right before the Hornets (who have to draft a center), I have the Thunder drafting the first true center in 2022. As a shot-blocking, low-usage big, Duren will fit perfectly next to Josh Giddey and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

#13 Mark Williams, C, Duke – Charlotte Hornets

This leaves the Hornets with one real option at this spot. It has to be Williams. For a team with the biggest need for a single position in the NBA, the Hornets need a center, and Williams is about as center-y as they come. He protects the paint, rebounds well, and finishes inside. Williams would be a great fit in Charlotte.

#14 Johnny Davis, G, Wisconsin – Cleveland Cavaliers

Rounding out the 2022 lottery, the Cavs could use a little more guard depth. They may be losing Collin Sexton, so Davis could see big minutes on a team that should make a splash in next year’s playoff picture.

From here, the Hornets have their pick of players at #15. There are still plenty of talented players on the board, so they cannot go wrong with whoever they select.