NBA Eastern Conference: Most important need for each Southeast Division team heading into the NBA Draft

#2 Charlotte Hornets 39-43

Charlotte Hornets v Miami Heat

2018-19 NBA regular season: 9th seed with a 39-43 record

The Hornets missed the 2019 NBA playoffs by 2 games. This now means at the 2019 NBA Draft they will select a prospect #12 and #36 overall. The good part for Charlotte this season was that Kemba Walker took his game to a new level showcasing an improved shooting stroke and the ability to make the clutch game-winning plays.

The real bad news is he is a free agent in the summer of 2019 and his departure while not guaranteed would create a huge hole at the point guard position for the Hornets. At the bottom third of most offensive categories like field goal percentage, points scored, assists, and rebounding, the Hornets need to fill a number of issues at the 2019 NBA Draft.

In the first round, a player like Jaxson Hayes at 6’11 with a 7’4 wingspan and good athleticism and speed could help the floundering Hornets franchise. For a big man, he has good speed getting up and down the floor. His quickness makes him a good help defender while his length and athleticism allow him to protect the rim at the defensive end. His size and length make him a great target for alley-oops and lob passes on the offensive end which would help Charlotte’s overall offensive efficiency.

With their second-round pick, the Hornets should address finding a ball handler or shooter making either Purdue’s PG Carson Edwards or Florida’s State’s Terance Mann options for Charlotte in the second round. Edwards is a good shooter and could be groomed to replace Kemba Walker if needed. On the other hand, Mann can defend and rebound the ball. At 6’6, he can post up smaller guards finishing well around the basket and against contact as well.