Finding NBA-caliber players in places where other teams can't is a vital part of building a winning culture in a small market. Historically, the Charlotte Hornets have not been good at that. I will give former GM Mitch Kupchak credit for hitting on a few second-round picks, but the draft has provided far more whiffs than home runs for this franchise.
In fact, they haven't even been good at finding talent where other teams do find talent. The Hornets have been bad, simply put, at finding talent.
Sion James could be a sign that things are changing. Okay, that's a lot of pressure to put on a 22 year-old who's played in seven NBA games — but James, the No. 33 selection this summer, has immediately put himself in the conversation for best value pick of the draft. And if the Hornets want to change the culture surrounding their team, that value is essential.
He's shooting about 300 percent on catch-and-shoot 3-pointers this season, and while his averages are destined to tick down, James generally looks more comfortable on the court than rookies — and definitely second-round picks — usually do.
In his second career start, James posted 15 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and perhaps most importantly, 0 turnovers. He's made the right reads, he's shot the ball when he's had the chance, and he's dove for a ball more than once. He's a dream second-round pick.
Hornets' 2025 NBA Draft picks have made an early impression
James, along with Ryan Kalkbrenner and Kon Knueppel, has provided early excitement in spades for the Hornets. Hornets center Moussa Diabate looks like a developmental success story, too. The small wins are adding up quickly for Jeff Peterson and Co. Eventually, lots of small wins combine into one large victory.
Even if none of these guys become full-blown stars, their early success points to an important change within the Hornets. It's no secret that finding talent on the outer edges of the league can improve the fortunes of a franchise, and the Hornets appear to understand that tenet now more than ever.
Even if this is a flash in the pan, it's a pretty exciting flash. Every pick can't be a home run, but the Hornets would be thrilled with a few doubles right now. Picking Sion James, at least, looks like it was hard contact. And that's more than you can say for numerous Hornets picks of the past.