PG: Kemba Walker/Brian Roberts
SG: P.J. Hairston/Lance Stephenson/Troy Daniels
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
PF: Marvin Williams/Cody Zeller
C: Noah Vonleh
2015 Free Agents
C Bismack Biyombo (RFA)
SF Jeff Taylor (RFA)
SG Gerald Henderson (player option)
C Al Jefferson (player option)
PF Jason Maxiell
PG Mo Williams
2015 Draft Picks
1-9
2-9(39)
Team Needs
Charlotte's plans may change if Al Jefferson, now 30, decides to opt out in search one final big contract. Assuming he opts in however, Charlotte will have a heavily invested in frontcourt, including Jefferson and Charlotte's last two top ten picks, Cody Zeller and Noah Vonleh; and if Bismack Biyombo re-signs, he was also a top ten pick. However, neither has shown that they are for certain starting quality players who can take Jefferson's spot after he moves on. Shooting guard is another problem area for Charlotte: Lance Stephenson cannot play alongside Walker, so a starting quality option is needed. There is still hope for P.J. Hairston to be that guy, but he was pretty dreadful as a rookie and isn't the quality of prospect that you pass over a talented wing for. If you find someone who can start over Hairston, but improves, congratulations you now have two good players, which isn't a problem. Whatever they do at shooting guard, one thing is for sure: he better be able to shoot.
Potentials Fits
Both Zeller and Vonleh are young and have potential, but if, for instance, Willie Cauley-Stein fell to them would they consider him? As crazy spending a third straight top ten pick on a big man is, I think they would have to take him provided he is the best prospect on the board. Jefferson may be gone this summer and almost certainly gone next year, while Zeller improved last season it was mostly based on his energy not skill, and Vonleh basically had a lost rookie season, with no real evidence yet that he is a starting quality player. Cauley-Stein isn't perfect and wouldn't help Charlotte's floundering offense, but he would be an excellent defense anchor for years to come. Your core would be Cauley-Stein, Kidd-Gilchrist (a perennial DPOY candidate), and Walker; find shooters at PF and SG and have what could be a dominant defensive team with a good-enough offense. If they do decide to upgrade at shooting guard with their first round pick, any of the top tier of wings would be a good fit. However, it is likely that they are off the board by the ninth pick, which leave two clear options: Kelly Oubre of Kansas and Kentucky's Devin Booker. Oubre has as much upside as anyone in the draft and is a good shooter, but not necessarily a great one. He can also create some for himself off the dribble and strong defensive potential. Booker on the other hand, might be the best shooter in the draft, but a question mark in other areas. I think Oubre fits the value of a top ten pick better, but if Charlotte manage a trade down, Booker would definitely be a possibility. With their second pick, they should draft either a big or a shooting guard, depending on what they do with the ninth pick. Preferably, the second round guard can shoot, but those aren't always easy to come by, meaning they'll will likely have to take a chance on a player who could become a good shooter.
Mock Draft
9. Willie Cauley-Stein, C, Kentucky
39. Michael Qualls, SG, Arkansas
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