The Charlotte Hornets are predicted to select a forward in the first round of the NBA Draft.
The Charlotte Hornets hold two first-round picks, including at 18, giving them a chance to add core players to the big three of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, and Brandon Miller.
Ball is a former All-Star guard and a talented playmaker and scorer, while Knueppel had an impressive rookie season, proving to be a future star, and Miller proved to be a core piece in his third season.
In The Athletic's recent mock draft, Allen Graves is predicted to land with the Hornets with the 18th overall pick.
Graves is a quality forward, as he averaged 11.8 points, 6.5 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.9 steals per game while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three. It was an impressive freshman season at Santa Clara for Graves and could be a great fit for the Hornets.
He is an all-around player who proved to be a good defender and shooter for Charlotte. Graves also showed some flashes as a playmaker, which is intriguing for a player of his size at 6-foot-9.
Jeff Curry-Imagn ImagesHe could be a quality fit alongside the trio of Ball, Knueppel, and Miller. The Hornets could use some more long-term pieces at forward with Miles Bridges on the trade market, and Tidjane Salaün, their sixth overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, is still developing.
Graves could come in and be an impactful 3&D forward for the Hornets. The 19-year-old would be a great fit for the team even if he takes a year or two to develop at the NBA level.
If they are able to land Graves and another quality player in the draft, they can focus on upgrading the center position. If Charlotte can acquire an upgrade at the starting center position, it will go a long way in them making a playoff run in the Eastern Conference in the 2026-27 season.
Head coach Charles Lee led the Hornets to a turnaround, going from a 19-63 record in the 2024-25 season to a 44-38 record in the 2025-26 season.
With the 14th and 18th overall picks in the NBA Draft, the Hornets have the opportunity to add quality pieces to their core to make a playoff push.
Hornets Roundtable also offers a fan community and message board. We’d love to have you join us to talk all things Hornets. Click the “Join” button at the top of the page to join our community for free.
