The Charlotte Hornets are projected to draft an NCAA Champion with the 14th overall pick.
The Charlotte Hornets could have a breakout year in the 2026-27 season after making a jump in the 2025-26 season.
The Hornets improved from a 19-63 record to 44-38 and reached the Play-In Tournament. Charlotte has established a core of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, and other young pieces to build on.
The Hornets could also use the 14th and 18th overall picks to add to their roster this offseason. In Bleacher Report's recent mock draft, they have Charlotte selecting forward Morez Johnson Jr. with the 14th overall pick.
Johnson Jr. could fill a need at forward for the Hornets after a great sophomore season at Michigan. The 20-year-old was named to the All-Big Ten and Big Ten All-Defense teams and was a key piece for Michigan on the road to winning the National Championship.
Johnson Jr. appeared in 40 games, averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, shooting 62.3 percent from the field and 34.3 percent from three.
Robert Deutsch-Imagn ImagesHe is a great defender with the versatility to defend forwards and be a small-ball big man in certain lineups. As Johnson Jr. continues to develop his three-point shot and offensive game, he could grow alongside Ball, Knueppel, and Miller.
Ball has shown the ability to elevate teammates with his playmaking. In the 2025-26 season, Ball had a good season, averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 40.7 percent from the floor and 36.8 percent from behind the arc.
Knueppel is also one of the top offensive options, as he averaged 18.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists in his rookie campaign, shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 42.5 percent from deep.
Miller also played well in his third season in the league, averaging 20.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and a steal per game, shooting 43.5 percent from the floor and 38.3 percent from downtown.
With those three offensive scorers, the Hornets can run a lineup with Johnson Jr.'s defense while he continues to develop his offensive game.
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