Make or Break Draft for Charlotte?

The Charlotte Hornets had an injury-laden roster that marred their 2022-2023 season. Significant injuries sustained by Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball did Charlotte zero favors for the team’s hopes of playoff contention.

The 2023 NBA Lottery will take place on May 16, 2023, at 8PM EST on ESPN

The 2023 NBA lottery is shaping up to be a make-or-break situation for Charlotte. The Hornets finished the season with the 4th worst record in the NBA (27-55), giving them a 12.5% chance of receiving the No.1 overall pick. (Draft odds provided by NBA.com)

Small-market franchises have trouble recruiting and retaining star players, making this year’s lottery a dire situation for the Hornets organization. LaMelo Ball will be eligible to become a restricted free agent following the end of the 2023-2024 season. The Hornets’ star guard has given no indication of leaving, however, if the team fails to make the Play-In tournament next season, LaMelo’s future in Charlotte could be up in the air. To combat this looming problem, Charlotte needs to be aggressive in both the lottery and free agency, in order to build a team capable of competing in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference.

The No.1 prospect in the 2023 NBA draft is none other than French Center Victor Wembenyama. Victor has been on NBA scouts’ radars for years, showing that his offensive and defensive versatility can translate immediately to the NBA level. Few teams have the luxury of running high screen and rolls through an elite backcourt and frontcourt player (i.e. Booker/Durant, Murray/Jokic, Harden/Embiid). These dynamic duos have proven to be effective in playoff scenarios, giving Hornets fans a glimmer of hope for the future, if given the No.1 overall pick.

Which players should the Charlotte Hornets target if they don’t receive the 1st overall pick?

Securing the 1st overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is priority #1 for the Hornets, but the team still has holes in their roster that need attending. Wing defenders and floor spacers come at a premium in the modern NBA, as they are the most coveted assets in the league when constructing a roster.

Charlotte’s Rookie C Mark Williams showed flashes of potential that could be replicated in later years. Williams’ knack for grabbing boards off the glass and protecting the rim, makes him a valuable piece/asset for the Hornets roster. Charlotte’s “Plan B” should focus on finding the correct wing player to pair with LaMelo Ball.

1. Brandon Miller (6’9″ F Alabama)

Despite an underwhelming March Madness, Brandon Miller’s 2022-23 collegiate season showed why he deserves to be a high lottery pick. His long frame and wingspan give him the potential to become a real, impact player on defense. Brandon’s high motor and knack to score the ball would serve as a great first addition to the draft.

2. Amen Thompson (6’6″ G Overtime Elite)

The recent blueprint to winning in this league centers around finding and retaining elite two-way wings. However, having two dynamic players in the backcourt has also proven to be successful. Amen Thompson would be more of a project than Miller, as he makes his transition from Overtime Elite to the NBA. The Thompson twins are known for their explosiveness and fearless mentality, two traits that are needed to play at the next level.

3. Jordan Hawkins (6’5″ G UConn)

Jordan’s performance in the NCAA Tournament turned many scouts’ heads. His 3 level scoring ability, paired with the requisite poise in late-game situations makes Jordan a sure-fire lottery pick. He has proven that his shooting range/ability will translate to the next level, giving him arguably the best tool to have in the modern NBA.