The most often discussed prospects the Charlotte Hornets are likely to consider in this coming draft are VJ Edgecombe, Ace Bailey, Tre Johnson, and Kon Knueppel. So, it's interesting that Jonathan Givony of ESPN mentioned Jeremiah Fears as an option when the combo guard doesn't appear to be a seamless fit with LaMelo Ball. If the Hornets do bring in the 18-year-old, that could be a signal that they are preparing to move on from the current cornerstone.
Some might say that Ball and Fears could figure out a way to coexist. After all, the 2021 Rookie of the Year could benefit from moving off the ball during some possessions. However, the University of Oklahoma freshman still has to improve his shot selection, perimeter shooting, and strength, which could make his hypothetical backcourt partnership with Ball a disaster waiting to happen.
Based on scouting reports, Fears looks like he needs time and reps to evolve into a star or at least a serviceable starting point guard, and playing alongside Melo might be a hindrance to his development.
So, it's tough to expect the Hornets to select Fears if they plan on continuing to build around Ball.
Jeremiah Fears would be a shocking pick at No. 4 for Hornets
Besides, it could be a bad omen for Buzz City that the young prospect refused to work out for the team, per Givony. What's wild, though, is that the front office's decision-making process reportedly won't take the snub into consideration.
Hopefully, that is just a smoke screen, and Charlotte won't swing for the fences in a second consecutive draft after choosing Tidjane Salaun last year. While there is no doubt about Fears' talent and upside, drafting him is just too risky at this point.
On the other hand, those who subscribe to the belief that the Hornets should part ways with Ball probably think differently.
Drafting Fears, though, could prolong the rebuild anew because the promising lead guard does not appear to be as NBA-ready as some of his draft classmates. His player comparisons also don't inspire optimism, as some experts have brought up the likes of Jamal Murray, Jordan Poole, Monta Ellis, and Jerryd Bayless as his comps.
Then again, Jeff Peterson had shown a willingness to take a significant risk when he shipped out one of Charlotte's core players in exchange for assets, trading Mark Williams to the Los Angeles Lakers for a package that included a 2031 first-rounder and a couple of guys who flamed out of the Lakers' rotation as the 2024-25 season wore on.
As such, the Hornets' top brass could already be contemplating a future without Ball. What happens on draft night would provide us with a clue as to where it stands on that front.