Bleacher Report’s Greg Swartz recently did a story analyzing and making predictions  for  every NBA team’s rookie class, and he made bold predictions in regards to the Hornets.

Swartz wrote that he believes two of the four Hornets’ rookies will end up taking starting roster jobs.  

Charlotte drafted Kon Kneuppel fourth overall, Liam McNeely at number 29, Sion James at 33, and Ryan Kalkbrenner at 34.

“​​Knueppel could earn the nod by the beginning of the regular season with his floor-spacing, IQ and ability to play between LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Given the lack of quality centers on this roster, Kalkbrenner, 23, has the size and shot blocking ability to beat out Moussa Diabate and Mason Plumlee.”

Currently, the Hornets’ depth chart on ESPN has Knueppel the starting winger spot locked up, so that is less of a concern.

The backcourt currently has Ball and Miller listed as the point guard and shooting guard which isn’t a surprise. But 6-foot-7 Miles Bridges is the small-ball power forward, and Diabate projects to be the starting center.

That’s where coach Charles Lee will need to assess most of his time.

Currently, the jury is out on Diabate as the long-term starting center. He certainly is the better option between him and Mason Plumlee, the experience over Kalkbrenner, but can he sustain a full 82 game schedule as the lead center?

One has to think that the leash isn’t going to be super long for Diabate, especially if Kalkbrenner adjusts to the NBA rather easily.

However, the third year pro looked comfortable in a starting role this preseason. During Thursday's loss against the defending NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder, Diabate posted a solid 14 points, on five of nine shooting and 4-7 from the free throw line.

We’ll absolutely learn a lot about this team as the season goes on, as there’s room for growth for everyone involved.

Don’t even be surprised if James gets an extended look as well. James often gets overlooked in this draft class, but he was a solid defender for Duke, as well as an exceptional shooter from 3-point range.

Regardless of what happens, it’s been a long time coming for an exciting basketball team in Charlotte. And the kids may have something in them to take The Hive back to the NBA Playoffs.