Charlotte Hornets: Old North Banter Mock Draft 1
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
1. player. 93. The 76ers have Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid, and Jahlil Okafor. They are awash in postsand it will take Simmons a while to develop his outside shot. Ingram offers more versatility sooner. SF. Duke. Brandon Ingram
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers, on the other hand, have time to build in the post Kobe Bryant era. Putting Simmons’ potential with D’Angelo Russell and Julius Randle will give the Lakers a good young core for the next few years. SF. LSU. Ben Simmons . 2. player. 20
3. Boston Celtics
18. The Celtics have a bunch of nice pieces and no real gaps. Bender gives them another flexible piece. When is the next big Danny Ainge trade coming?. PF. Israel. Dragan Bender . 3. player
4. Phoenix Suns
4. player. 66. The Suns would have liked Bender here, but they can get some insurance for both back court and the wing position with Brown. SG. California. Jaylen Brown
5. Minnesota Timberwolves
player. 86. With a young core filled with athletes, why not add an accomplished shooter to balance that out. SG. Oklahoma. Buddy Hield . 5
6. New Orleans Pelicans
Kentucky. Jamal Murray . 6. player. 69. The Pelicans are likely going to let Eric Gordon walk rather than overpay him again.. SG
7. Denver Nuggets
A bit of a reach here, but the other option is Dunn who plays the same position as Mudiay. SG. Florida State. Malik Beasley . 7. player. 73
8. Sacramento Kings
Kris Dunn . 8. player. 67. The Kings say thank you for one of favorite players in this draft. PG. Providence
9. Toronto Raptors
Deyonta Davis . 9. player. 81. Get flexibility between the post positions. Need to re-sign DeRozan. PF. Michigan State
10. Milwaukee Bucks
89. Need defensive help down low. Monroe has not done that for him. PF. Utah. Jakob Poeltl . 10. player
11. Orlando Magic
PF. Washington. Marquese Chriss . 11. player. 38. Looking at the best player available
12. Utah Jazz
player. 118. Wing depth on a team with a good core. SG. Turkey. Furkan Korkmaz . 12
13. Phoenix Suns
Got Brown earlier, now get a big man who can shoot for you. PF. Gonzaga. Domantas Sabonis . 13. player. 66
14. Chicago Bulls
24. Could lose Gasol and Noah in off season. PF-C. Marquette. Henry Ellenson . 14. player
Next: Post Lottery