It's never too early to talk about the NBA draft. Mikel Brown Jr. is pegged by most pundits as a top-five guard prospect in this upcoming draft class. Most mock drafts have him going in the No. 6 to 9 range. With the Charlotte Hornets fighting for a play-in/playoff spot, the likelihood of landing a top talent in the 2026 draft is becoming less likely.
However, that doesn't mean it's impossible. There’s always a scenario where the Hornets hit a rough stretch and naturally climb the lottery board, an outcome no fan is rooting for. The far more appealing route is Jeff Peterson going all‑in on draft night, packaging assets to move up and secure a prospect who can elevate the franchise immediately.
That possibility becomes even more realistic if Coby White does not prove to be a long‑term fit. Will the Charlotte front office make a splash on draft night if necessary? Let's assume that they will because there's a lot to like about Brown Jr. that fills several needs in the backcourt.
Limitless range
It's sometimes difficult to predict what skills or traits will ultimately translate to the NBA. Even so, possessing a deep range ability will always be valued in today's league. Brown Jr. has that range that commands attention, just like LaMelo Ball, whose gravity is evident when he steps on the floor. Being able to distort defensive coverages just by being on the floor creates so much space for your teammates on and off the ball.
Brown Jr.'s current season shooting numbers may coax teams into looking at different prospects, as he's sitting at just 34.6 percent from deep and averaging 18.6 points per game. But context matters. He spent the early part of the year battling a lower‑back injury that clearly disrupted his rhythm and limited his explosiveness. Now that he's finally healthy, the difference is obvious. Over his last three games, he has erupted for 34.3 points per contest while knocking down an absurd 64.1 percent of his threes.
He has reminded scouts of the kind of shot‑making ceiling he actually possesses when the three-ball is falling. That level of efficiency is outrageous when you factor in the volume of attempts. Sure, those numbers aren't sustainable over a full season, but that kind of explosive upside is exactly what front offices covet. It also mirrors the identity of several current Hornets player who can catch fire in an instant and swing a game in their favor.
At the end of the day, Brown Jr. isn't some long‑term project who needs years of seasoning. He's the type of guard you can plug into a rotation immediately and expect to raise the team's floor and ceiling from day one. His blend of upside and modern guard skills is a perfect fit for this team. Nothing is guaranteed, but the time is ripe for this team to take a real step forward. A playoff appearance should be the bare minimum expectation in the 2026-27 season.