An NBA analyst has shared his thoughts on the Hornets' selection of Christian Anderson with the 18th overall pick.
The Charlotte Hornets made two selections on Tuesday night, including drafting guard Christian Anderson with the 18th overall pick.
Anderson is a quality three-point shooter, playmaker, and scorer, and should fit in for the Hornets right away.
After the draft, NBA analyst Bobby Marks named Anderson as his favorite prospect-team fit outside of the draft lottery.
"When I met with him in April, he was confident that he was the best shooting guard in this draft," Marks said. "Considering that he shot 42% from 3 last season at Texas Tech, there is a case he could be right."
Anderson was solid in his freshman season, averaging 10.6 points, three rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.2 steals per game, shooting 42.9 percent from the field and 38 percent from three.
He had a breakout campaign in his sophomore year, averaging 18.5 points, 3.6 rebounds, 7.4 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, shooting 47.2 percent from the floor and 41.5 percent from behind the arc.
Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images"Shooting is not the only thing Anderson did well last season," Marks said. "He averaged 7.4 assists and was active on defense (1.5 steals). Anderson's competitiveness stood out for the 2025 FIBA U-19 World Cup. He led the German national team to a silver medal while averaging 6.6 assists."
He will be a key piece for the Hornets' bench unit behind star guard LaMelo Ball. Ball is coming off a great 2026-27 season, as he averaged 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 40.7 percent from the field and 36.8 percent from deep.
Ball's playmaking elevates his teammates, and Anderson's three-point shooting will fit alongside him in lineups. However, Anderson's improved playmaking will also be valuable when he is running the show when Ball is off the floor.
The 20-year-old guard could fit well next to Coby White as the backcourt off the bench if White returns in free agency.
White played well for Charlotte after he was acquired in a trade deadline deal, as he averaged 15.6 points, three rebounds, and three assists per game, shooting 46.1 percent from the floor and 39.1 percent from downtown.
The Hornets did a great job in the first round of the NBA Draft and will look to improve the roster more in free agency.
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