The Charlotte Hornets’ pick at number 22 in the first round is heavily dependent on what other teams do ahead of them. So we look at our first NBA mock draft of 2016.
The Charlotte Hornets were not involved in the lottery draw last night which was actually kind of nice. Since the lottery draw is complete, the full first round of the NBA draft can now be mocked out to see what the Hornets might get to do at pick number twenty-two. Anyone who followed my NFL first round mock draft knows that this is only a projection.
The Hornets seem to be looking at the best fit for where their team is right now. They talked to four guards at the NBA Draft Combine. Two of those were possibilities for small forward, but Justin Jackson has since decided to return to school for his junior season.
That leaves Malik Beasley, Malcolm Brogdon, and Daniel Hamilton as the three players the Hornets talked to that still in the draft pool.
Finally I am not convinced that the Hornets are going to wave the white flag on picking up a shot blocker. The cheapest way to do that is the draft, but it is possible that the team will continue on without one since it has done that so far.
So here is the first version of the NBA Mock Draft for Old North Banter.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
2. Los Angeles Lakers
3. Boston Celtics
4. Phoenix Suns
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
6. New Orleans Pelicans
7. Denver Nuggets
8. Sacramento Kings
9. Toronto Raptors
10. Milwaukee Bucks
11. Orlando Magic
12. Utah Jazz
13. Phoenix Suns
14. Chicago Bulls
Next: Post Lottery