Following the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery, the Charlotte Hornets' dreams of landing the top overall pick and drafting Cooper Flagg have officially ended. Instead, they'll be selecting fourth overall after being tied for the top odds to select first. Now, a big question enters the equation: With several guard prospects being slated as the projected selection at pick number four, how does that affect the Hornets' plans pertaining to LaMelo Ball?
In the past, Charlotte has avoided taking certain high-level guard prospects when they were available in the lottery, likely due to their desire not to take the ball out of LaMelo's hands. Some names that come to mind include Scoot Henderson in 2023, when the Hornets selected Brandon Miller instead, and Rob Dillingham last summer, when Charlotte went with Tidjane Salaun.
This of course is a smart move when it's clear that you're prioritizing Ball as your franchise player and continuing to desire having him as the focal point of your offense. LaMelo is a high-usage player that does best when he can create a lot of shot opportunities for himself and for others.
Of course, although Ball's injury troubles lessened a bit this past season, they are still not a total non-issue. Number one in purple and teal may have played his most games in a season since 2021-22 this past year, but 47 games played is still not exactly what you're aiming for if you're LaMelo.
The Hornets' choice on draft night will likely revolve around LaMelo Ball
With that in mind, some begin to think about the possibilities. Do you bring in a guard like VJ Edgecombe with pick number four, knowing that doing so will likely involve taking the ball out of LaMelo's hands? Do you do the unthinkable and trade Ball, instead aiming for a new franchise guard with your fourth-overall pick next month?
The latter option, at least, seems very unlikely. The Hornets, and President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson in particular, have made it relatively clear that they still believe in LaMelo as their franchise cornerstone. They and Ball himself understand that building a winning product takes time, and they're more than willing to take the necessary steps to winning that require some patience.
What this means is that whoever Charlotte takes with the fourth pick, should they keep it, will likely be someone they see as a player who can complement LaMelo Ball, rather than someone who would be in direct competition with him for minutes or shot attempts. The Hornets don't appear ready to change their fundamental approach when it comes to their best player anytime soon. A guard who can play off-ball and knock down shots off the catch consistently may be their best bet.
But as we know, Peterson and Charlotte's new ownership are forward-thinking. They may have a set plan in their heads now, but they may also want to give themselves flexibility for the future if their perspectives shift over time. As of now, one of VJ Edgecombe, Tre Johnson or Ace Bailey feels like the likely selection at four.