Projecting the 2024 draft choices, Charlotte Hornets Top 6 2024 Mock Draft
1. Atlanta Hawks’ Alex Sarr
The protagonist of the “BBQ Series” has been replaced by Atlanta, who leapt ten places (!!!) in the draft lottery. Though I think Sarr, Clingan, and Risacher will all be involved, I finally decided on Sarr because he clearly has the greatest upside. With Capela now expected to be traded (hello, New Orleans? ), Sarr may play in the front court alongside Jalen Johnson and Onyeke Okongwu.
2. Nikola’s Topic: The Wizards of Washington
Despite the chaos of teams leaping up, Washington managed to hold onto second place. To begin their rebuilding process, the Wizards need an offensive guard with a lot of usage, and Topic fits the description. Though Dillingham was also a factor, Topic wins out because of his bulk and ease in the role of distributor rather than scorer.
3. Stephen Curry of the Houston Rockets
Thanks to the trade of Brooklyn’s first-round pick for Harden, Houston is able to advance. With Van Vleet approaching 30 and Amen Thompson playing more like a wing in his first campaign, the back court seems to be in more need. Sheppard is excited about this, but he also says that he can learn from Van Vleet, who is frequently used as a draft comparison, and he compliments Amen Thompson. He also plays with a physicality and toughness that Udoka will find appealing. Risacher and Buzelis were also under consideration.
4. Rob Dillingham of the Spurs of San Antonio
There were whispers, even before the selection lottery, that the Spurs preferred Dillingham as a partner for ROTY Victor Wembanyama. Because of eventual DPOY Wembanyama, Dillingham’s defensive limitations are immediately mitigated in San Antonio. He’ll offer San Antonio, quickness, creative shots, and an abundance of highlights.
5. Detroit Pistons’ Zacharia Risacher
Risacher might tumble on draft night given the way the board has dropped if he doesn’t go first overall to Atlanta, which I believe is a genuine possibility. This might work out in the end because Risacher was the first overall pick that Detroit, who will be disappointed to lose in the lottery once more, would have liked to have.
6. The Charlotte Hornets’ Stephan Castle
Get over your disappointment, sadness, and rage. The greatest player in the class may very well be the sixth choice in this year’s draft. The good news for Charlotte is that guards who aren’t highly needed by Charlotte are more likely to be selected by Washington, San Antonio, and possibly Houston. That could imply that Charlotte should take into account people like Clingan, Castle, Buzelis, and Holland.
If Castle develops into a player akin to Andre Iguodala, that would be the best possible scenario. a multifaceted defensive threat with a wide range of offensive skills who is most effective when used as a fourth or fifth offensive option. In the worst scenario, he might be a little Michael Kidd-Gilchrist or Isaac Okoro. I’m willing to take a chance on a player that projects as a top-tier starting role player at this stage of the draft. Another benefit is the close fit beside Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball in the backcourt. Not only does he play shooting guard, but over time, he would develop into the team’s top perimeter defenderโa quality that Charlotte’s youthful core lacks.
Ron Holland and Matas Buzelis were also taken into consideration; the latter’s argument becomes stronger if Miles Bridges is expected to go in free agency. Given his superior game sense, three-point shooting ability, and physical attributes as a power forward, I would take the side of Buzelis in that scenario. Another excellent possibility if Mark Williams’ back is a long-term worry is Clingan. But considering that Clingan has struggled with injuries throughout his career, would it be too risky to choose another large 7-foot player who is prone to injuries?