3 Prospects Hornets Should Target in Second Round of 2024 NBA Draft

These prospects all have the talent and fit to be solid picks for Charlotte at No. 42 overall
Mar 14, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Cam Christie (24) shoots as Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) defends during the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 14, 2024; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers guard Cam Christie (24) shoots as Michigan State Spartans guard Jaden Akins (3) defends during the second half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports / Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
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The Charlotte Hornets have a lot of room to improve, which means it’s probably for the best that they target players with the most upside. 

But they also have to be careful. Picking a player who is too much of a project could wind up being a wasted pick. 

There are some intriguing players who could be around at No. 42 overall that the Hornets should seriously consider adding.

Of course, whoever Charlotte targets in the second round slightly depends on who they select in the first round. But since we can’t know who that will be, we’ll ignore that variable.

Here are three second-round prospects who have high upside and could wind up making an impact sooner rather than later:

1. Cam Christie, Minnesota

Christie has a ton of room for growth since he only spent one year at the NCAA level and the results in year one were pretty encouraging. Though he shot just 40.3% from the field, he shot 39.1% from beyond the arc!

There’s good reason to think his shooting from 2-point range can improve, too, considering he shot a solid 79.1% from the free-throw line. 

It’s also impressive that he averaged just 1.6 fouls and 1.2 turnovers while playing more than 30 minutes per game.

NBADraft.net also ranks him as an above-average defender who is a “Willing defender who understands positioning and how to use his length to contest.”

Considering that Charlotte ranked 21st in the NBA in 3-point percentage and dead-last in defensive efficiency, a player like Christie could be a big step in the right direction for this team. 

Fit: Cody Martin wouldn’t be a starter on a contending playoff team, and Christie could have the chance to take that spot while providing much better shooting.