The Charlotte Hornets took a huge swing in the first round of the 2024 NBA Draft, selecting Frenchman Tidjane Salaun with the No. 6 pick instead of trading down.
There were reports that Charlotte could potentially move down with the Memphis Grizzlies, giving them a chance to select UConn big man Donovan Clingan, but that didn’t happen.
Instead, they took a risk. Salaun could end up being a great two-way player, but he’s very raw, and for a team that should be looking to make strides, that doesn’t necessarily fit.
Regardless, the Hornets took their swing, and now it’s time to settle down. Here are five players Charlotte should look to snag in the second round, as they have the 42nd pick.
1. Jonathan Mogbo
A big man/forward out of San Francisco, Jonathan Mogbo would be an extremely intriguing defensive piece for Charles Lee to fit into the Hornets system.
At 6-foot-7, Mogbo is a bit undersized, but he makes up for that with great strength and impressive hustle. He’s always in on the action, whether it be a defensive play or on the offensive glass.
Mogbo is a very versatile defender. If Charlotte can develop him well, he could be the type of player capable of guarding every player on the floor. He can put the ball on the floor, too. He’s an adept ball-handler who is elite at making plays in transition.
The offensive game isn’t quite there, and Mogbo is a non-shooter at this point, but everything else he brings to the table would make this pick very worth it for the Hornets.