Draft Outlook
The Hornets have the longest active playoff drought in the Eastern Conference (five seasons), but with the drafting of LaMelo Ball in 2020 and the success of his rookie season, they have a clear path back toward relevancy. They were a playoff team (in fourth place) before losing Gordon Hayward to a season-ending foot injury, and they have a young core that should continue to improve.
A Stat That Matters
67.2% — The Hornets led the league in assist percentage, recording assists on 67.2% of their field goals. They ranked third in ball movement (361 passes per 24 minutes of possession) and second in player movement (11.8 miles traveled per 24 minutes of possession), and they were the league’s second fastest moving team on offense, averaging 4.70 miles per hour
The Way To Go
Beyond Ball, the Hornets’ core is pretty versatile, with players like Hayward, Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington who can man multiple positions. They do have needs at the two (Terry Rozier would be an ideal third guard) and at the five (Washington should probably only be a reserve center), and there should be guards available at the No. 11 pick. But Ball won’t turn 20 until August, so the Hornets can remain patient and continue to play the long game.
Under Contract
G: LaMelo Ball
G: Terry Rozier
F: Miles Bridges
F: Gordon Hayward
F: Caleb Martin
F: Cody Martin
F: P.J. Washington
F/C: Vernon Carey Jr.
F/C: Jalen McDaniels
C: Nick Richards
Free Agents
G: Nate Darling (restricted)
G: Devonte’ Graham (restricted)
G: Malik Monk (restricted)
G: Grant Riller (restricted)
G: Brad Wanamaker (restricted)
F/C: Cody Ziller (unrestricted)
C: Bismack Biyombo (unrestricted)
> 2021 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2020: LaMelo Ball (3), Vernon Carey Jr. (32), Grant Riller (56)
— John Schuhmann