Five prospects the Charlotte Hornets might draft with the No. 9 pick
There's no question what need the Charlotte Hornets should look to fill this offseason. A total lack of outside shooting doomed the Hornets' postseason hopes. And while it's nice to hope that Lance Stephenson might bounce back next season to help space the floor in Charlotte, the Hornets can't put all their eggs in that "Born Ready" basket.
Fortunately for Michael Jordan & Co., there could be plenty of shooters available with the No. 9 pick in the draft that's officially Charlotte's after last night's draft lottery.
1. Frank Kaminsky, PF, Wisconsin (7-1, 230 pounds)
"Frank the Tank" might be the biggest name left on the board when Charlotte's turn comes around, but Kaminsky offers much more than just name recognition. He was a career 36.9 percent 3-point shooter in college, and he helps a team make the most of the spacing he provides with a savvy passing game; Kaminsky averaged 5.3 assists per 100 possessions his senior season with the Badgers. It's rare for a four-year college player to turn into a superstar these days, but you know what you're getting with Kaminsky. And his combination of shooting and size could turn him into an All-Star.
2. Stanley Johnson, SF, Arizona (6-6, 242 pounds)
If the Hornets are looking to emulate the defensive success of the Golden State Warriors, Johnson is the pick. Justise Winslow will likely be off the board already at No. 9, making this Arizona standout arguably the best remaining small forward in the draft. He improved his outside shot in just one season in Tucson, finishing his freshman year as a 37.1 percent 3-point shooter, and he has the size to slide over to guard power forwards in a pinch. A two-man defensive combination of Johnson and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist on the wings could be devastating.
3. Mario Hezonja, SG, Croatia (6-8, 215 pounds)
Selecting Hezonja might not maximize the value of the No. 9 pick, as the Croatian guard would back up Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, meaning floor time could be limited. But if the Hornets are serious about adding 3-point shooting, Hezonja will be tough to beat as a prospect. He shot at least 38 percent from deep in his past three seasons with Barcelona, and his height means he can get his shot off over practically every opposing shooting guard. His defense is a work in progress, but Hezonja has a nice off-the-dribble game as well. If he can add strength, it's possible he and MKG could play next to each other, as well.
4. Sam Dekker, SF, Wisconsin (6-9, 220 pounds)
Just how much of the NCAA Tournament did Jordan and the Charlotte front office watch? If the Hornets take Dekker, we'll have our answer. His 3-point heroics were the most memorable part of Wisconsin's run to the NCAA championship, but he's a worse career shooter from outside (34.8 percent) than Kaminsky. Dekker does project as a solid defender, however, and his two-way prowess and clutch reputation could be too much for His Airness to pass up.
5. Trey Lyles, PF, Kentucky (6-10, 240 pounds)
If Dekker would be a reach for the Hornets at No. 9, Lyles is a stretch. But there might not be a more versatile big man on the board in the back half of the lottery. Lyles played small forward as a Wildcat, and he has the frame to bang with centers in the NBA as well. If Charlotte is worried about the growth of Cody Zeller and Noah Vonleh, Lyles could be the pick, even if he does nothing to solve the Hornets' spacing issues.
(Statistical support courtesy of Sports-Reference and Draft Express)
Photo Credit: Greg Wahl-Stephens/AP
