The Charlotte Hornets have been unable to get over the hump for the past few seasons. Whether it be injury issues or just their general inexperience, they haven’t even sniffed the playoffs in each of the past two years.
Unfortunately, the NBA Draft Lottery didn’t treat them well, and they now have the sixth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. A draft that’s expected to be one of the weakest in recent memory.
That said, it’s still very important for the Hornets to nail this selection. Or, at the very least, land a player who can help them win right away.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at one dream target, one realistic target, and one disaster target the Hornets could go after in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Dream: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky
LaMelo Ball is obviously the Hornets’ point guard of the future, but the beauty of Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard is that he’s capable of playing on and off the ball.
The Dallas Mavericks have had a ton of success with two elite guards in Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, leading them to the NBA Finals. Charlotte could attempt to follow the same mold with Ball and Sheppard.
However, if Ball’s injury woes and inability to stay on the court persist, having Sheppard would ensure that the Hornets are able to have a top-notch guard on the floor regardless of his presence.
Add in his defensive play and playmaking, and Sheppard is one of the most intriguing prospects in this draft.
This draft could go in any number of ways, but most mocks have Sheppard going in the top five. But if he falls to six, the Hornets should jump at the opportunity to grab him.