Fresh off a stellar rookie campaign from Kon Knueppel, the Charlotte Hornets eyes a dynamic Baylor wing to bolster their backcourt and maintain the franchise's aggressive offensive momentum.
The Charlotte Hornets enter the 2026 NBA Draft feeling pretty good about the direction of the team.
Kon Knueppel had a fantastic season as a rookie, leading the NBA in three-point shots made and finishing as the runner up to (former Duke teammate) Cooper Flagg in the NBA Rookie of the Year vote.
He projects to be a key part of the offense moving forward.
The Hornets main concern coming into the draft is at center. A prospect like Michigan's Aday Mara would make since to take with the No. 14 pick.
Charlotte does't have to wait long before taking the next selection at No. 18.
Jeremy Woo of ESPN suggested Carr would fit with the Hornets with the No. 18 pick. The former Baylor Bears guard was an offensive machine, averaging 18.9 points per game, 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists.
One worry, there is a possibility Carr could be off the board by the time the Hornets pick again.
"Carr opted not to scrimmage Thursday after lighting up the combine Wednesday, a decision that was met with zero scrutiny around the gym," Woo wrote. "He backed up his strong athletic testing and measurements (6-foot-4½ barefoot with a nearly 7-1 wingspan) with 30 points and six 3s, helping to reinforce his case as a late-blooming development bet in a draft that's somewhat light on offensive-minded wings.
"Already projected at No. 18 in my mock draft entering the week, Carr has an opportunity to keep rising as he goes through team workouts in the coming weeks."
The Hornets will need to explore multiple backup options here.
Hornets President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson feels good about his chances of landing the right player in this draft. He said last year's success has made his job easier this year.
“That just makes it easier, again, for whoever we draft this year,” said Peterson. “They get to see those four rookies as an example. Those are the guys who will continue to set the tone, of course, with the other guys in the locker room.
"It’ll make it easier for whoever we bring in. Like they can look at somebody like Sion and he’s setting an example of when to show up, what to do, things like that.”
The Horners are building a solid young core, and Carr could be the next fit.
