Charlotte Hornets Draft Review

Current Roster
PG: Kemba Walker/Briante Weber
SG: Nicolas Batum/Malik Monk/Jeremy Lamb
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Dwayne Bacon/Treveon Graham
PF: Marvin Williams/Frank Kaminsky
C: Dwight Howard/Cody Zeller

2017 Free Agents 
Restricted
G Brian Roberts
G Ramon Sessions (team option)

Unrestricted
F Christian Wood

Who They Drafted
1-11 Malik Monk, SG Kentucky
2-40 Dwayne Bacon, SF Florida State

Portland trading up for Zach Collins pushed one of the top 10 tier of guys down a spot to where the Hornets were picking at 11 and they smartly reaped the benefits. With a pretty set starting five, the Hornets were in dire need of depth, particularly in the backcourt, and Malik Monk dropping to them is an ideal fit for the kind of skills they need. Outside of their starters, Nic Batum and Kemba Walker, the Hornets don't have any other perimeter players that are much of a threat to score, which is where Monk comes in. His main skill (some might argue his only skill) is the jumpshot, which he creates space for by utilizing a few quick dribbles and a step-back, even without space Monk is able to make shots. From the Hornets standpoint, that is what they will ask him to do off the bench early in his career; Monk is fairly mercurial, sometimes he can't miss, other times not so much, which will be ideally suited to coming off the bench, where he can help win games with a scoring outburst, but not be relied on too heavily to carry the team offensively. What will be more important for the team, from Monk's standpoint, is whether or not teams will respect Monk enough to guard him consistently, obviously he is a dangerous shooter should and provide valuable spacing for the rest of the team when he is on the floor. However, if he streaky nature gets the better of him and he is shooting in the mid to low 30% from three, teams might start helping off him more, and if he isn't making shots or spacing the floor, he really doesn't help you much. Though his poor defensive profile (6-3 with a 6-3+ wingspan) will be mitigated a some by coming off the bench, he does provide a bit of a conundrum for coach Steve Clifford's defense, though Clifford has shown an ability to constructed good defenses around questionable defenders. A Monk/Batum pair could work with the later playing as the primary distributor, as could potentially could Monk and Briante Weber, mainly because Weber is such a good, tenacious defender that he could guard backup shooting guards well. Still, long term the Hornets will be hoping that Monk can become more of well rounded player than he currently is, whether that be by becoming a better defender or ball-handler/distributor.
After some moving around some in the second round, the Hornets selected Dwayne Bacon from Florida State. Bacon will likely be a depth player only on this team, but there is a chance he can develop into something more, particularly if his future lies at power forward. Bacon is a strong player with a good body that, if he continues to add weight could work as a small-ball four off the bench, at least in certain match-ups. As a power forward, all of a sudden Bacon's shooting and driving ability all of a sudden works a lot more that it would on the wing. Defensively, he has the movement skills to switch and defend perimeter 4s, but don't expect much on the glass or protecting the rim, as Bacon averaged a pathetic 8.1 rebound percentage and blocked an even more pathetic 5 total shots in 1987 career minutes (that's one block every 397 minutes, an embarrassing number for a player with his physical profile.)

What They Need Going Forward
The Hornets have a pretty full roster, but they still have questions at backup point guard where Weber does some things really well, but is fairly unproven. Ramon Sessions should probably not be brought back and Charlotte could look for a bigger point guard to take a flyer on, such as Michael Carter-Williams or Langston Galloway. Christian Wood is an option to return and spend time in the G-League, but the Hornets should look at a reliable veteran power forward, someone like Ersan Ilyasova or Amir Johnson, just in case Marvin Williams doesn't bounce back.

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2015 Draft Review: Charlotte Hornets

2015-16 Depth Chart
PG: Kemba Walker/Brian Roberts
SG: Nicolas Batum/Jeremy Lamb/Troy Daniels
SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/P.J. Hairston
PF: Frank Kaminsky/Marvin Williams
C: Al Jefferson/Cody Zeller/Spencer Hawes

2015 Free Agents
C Bismack Biyombo (RFA)
SF Jeff Taylor (RFA)
PF Jason Maxiell
PG Mo Williams

What They Did On Draft Night

Drafted Wisconsin forward/center Frank Kaminsky 9th overall 

I completely understand the Charlotte drafting Frank Kaminsky with the ninth pick, I don't think it was a reach and he gives the Hornets exactly what they need most. I also completely understand not wanting to take Justise Winslow when he duplicates so much of what Michael Kidd-Gilchrist already does and because Charlotte just traded for both Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lamb. I am just not on board with the process that passes a superior talent on the based on those reasons. That said, Kaminsky is perfect for Charlotte, who made the playoffs two years ago in large part due to Josh McRoberts shooting and passing at power forward. McRoberts left after that year and Charlotte was unable to repeat their success. Kaminsky isn't the athlete McRoberts is, but he is a better shooter and passer who should slide right into that same spacer/distributor role. 

What To Do Next?

Charlotte did a lot of their work early, trading for Spencer Hawes, Batum, and Lamb so they might not do much else. Another veteran shooter wouldn't go amiss and they could use bigger, dependable backup point guard like a C.J. Watson type. With Al Jefferson, Kaminsky, Cody Zeller, Hawes, and Marvin Williams all on the team, one of those players will likely be traded. Hawes would be the most financially beneficial to get rid of, but Jefferson and Williams will probably be the easiest to trade because they are expiring deals.

A bonus trade sure not to happen

Marvin Williams (or Hawes) to Washington for Martell Webster and Garrett Temple

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Batum, Lamb, Barnes Trades

Hornets get SF Nicolas Batum

Blazers get PF Noah Vonleh, SG Gerald Henderson

I had mentioned Batum as a possible trade candidate to a team like Utah a couple weeks back, but Charlotte hadn't entered my thinking. The trade does make sense on their end, either as a part of their team moving forward or as a trade piece in the draft. He has always been an unappreciated player because he played in Portland with some bigger stars, but Batum is basically the ultimate role player who fits in seamlessly as a great third option. His fit in Charlotte's lineup is a little non-traditional because he'll be playing shooting guard at 6-8, but Batum has always been better against smaller players because he is so long and quick, but not very strong. Offensively, he had a down year last season but considering he has a consistent track record before that as a 35-40% three-point shooter on a high number of attempts, it is pretty safe to write off 2014-15 as a wrist injury aided aberration. This is good because Charlotte needs shooting more than any team in the league and could use Batum's ability to handle the ball and pass. Despite his size, Batum has developed into a quality pick-and-roll player that should help take some of the pressure off of Kemba Walker. Batum definitely fits best as a shooting guard, but can move up to the three on occasion and would make an intruiging small-ball lineup moving Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to power forward. The issue with this deal for Charlotte is that they gave up a lot of years of control over Vonleh for Batum, who will be a free agent in the summer of 2016. He'll turn 27 this year, so it should be safe to re-sign him and get his a good part of his prime years and early decline, but there is always the risk that he walks next summer and leaves Charlotte with nothing.

For Portland, it was first reported that this wasn't a sign of rebuilding and it wouldn't affect their ability to re-sign LaMarcus Aldridge but now ESPN is reporting there is a "99.9% chance" he is leaving in free agency this summer. If that is they case, Portland will have lost their best player Aldridge, their fourth best player Batum and could possibly lose their third best player, free agent Wes Matthews, who is by-the-way coming off of a torn Achilles and turning 29 this year. That smells an awful lot like rebuilding, in which case the acquisition of Vonleh makes a ton of sense: he is young (turning 20), a top 10 pick just last season, and on his rookie deal for three more seasons, with the possibility of staying under team control for almost a decade. However, all of that means absolutely nothing if he isn't any good, which is still up for debate. It's hard to learn anything based off of last season, Vonleh was injured and Charlotte was such a mess that evaluating the 259 minutes he played is rather fruitless. Coming into the draft, Vonleh had a tremendous frame at 6-10, 240 with a 7-4+ wingspan and good athletic testing numbers,  though the question remains whether he can actually effectively use that athletic ability on the court. One thing is clear, Vonleh can rebound. He did so in college and posted a top-20 rebound rate in his limited minutes this season (18.3). Part of Vonleh's appeal is that he projects as a good defender who can shoot from the perimeter at times, though really he didn't do either of those things particularly well in his first year, but like I said, it was basically a lost season. Because of the questions about Vonleh's ability to move laterally, it makes sense for him to play mostly center where he can certainly rebound and protect the rim, even if his help defense isn't outstanding. Offensively, all will rely on his jumper and whether it develops into a consistent weapon. If it does, Portland can get an approximation, albeit a lesser one, of the spacing, solid overall defense, and rebounding that Aldridge provided. 

Henderson is probably just here for the one season remaining on his contract, if indeed Portland decides to rebuild. He is a good defender against both shooting guards and small forward, but a lack of range offensively causes some spacing issues, making Henderson perhaps better suited to a bench role. Another possibility would be to use Henderson as part of a trade to acquire younger, higher upside talent.  Henderson is a useful player that could definitely help boost a contenders bench without a long term financial commitment. 

Thunder get PG Luke Ridnour

Hornets get SG Jeremy Lamb

Grizzlies get SF Matt Barnes

Magic get the draft rights to SF Janis Timma

This wasn't a four team trade, but essentially amounted to one. Ridnour might stick as Oklahoma City's third point guard, but considering they are trying to save money and create roster space, I wouldn't count on it.

Timma's rights are actually a bigger deal the average fan might believe, despite being the 60th overall pick in 2013, Kevin Pelton projects Timma as an above-replacement level player in the NBA. You'll probably read some jokes on the internet about Memphis getting Barnes for nothing, but Timma has actual value. If and when he comes to the NBA is up for debate, but Timma is a good athlete that has steadily developed his jumper to the point of being an above-average shooter.

Barnes is a decent addition to Memphis' wing rotation, at 35 how much is left in the tank is debatable, but he can still shoot, making between 34-36% of his threes last season on a decent number of attempts the last three seasons. Defensively, Barnes has slipped and is now better defending power forwards and could give Memphis some good small ball options, particularly paired with Jeff Green, who annually is better defending small forwards but is much better playing offensively against power forwards. The shooting is the real key, if Memphis can get Barnes to shoot more 3s and continue to make them efficiently, it will be huge for them.

For Charlotte, they gave up a player they weren't going to keep for a talented young player that helps to fix their biggest weakness and has potential to be very good. Lamb never found footing in Oklahoma City but actually played well when on the court. He's shot 35% from three in the NBA was also a career 35% shooter from deep in college and in the D-League as well. Interestingly, from three Lamb shot better in catch and shoot situations in 2013-14 (39%) and shot really well off-the-dribble last season (40%), if he can put those both together consistently Lamb could become a very good shooter. Even if not, Lamb is an above-average three-point shooter who also plays very good defense and has the potential to be even better on that end as he gains experience. At worst, I think if Lamb gets minutes he will be an excellent 3-and-D wing player capable of guarding positions 1-3, provided that the small forwards aren't too strong. Where Lamb, who just turned 23, stands out though is that he has potential for more, a very smooth athlete that can really jump and has 6-11 wingspan, he has a killer crossover and can attack the rim when in attack mode, which isn't as often as it should be. Overall, this is a great acquisition that should net Charlotte a rotation player at worst and help improve Charlotte's greatest weakness: shooting. Combine that with the trade for Batum, particularly by shipping out Henderson's lack of shooting ability, and the Hornet's have turn a big weakness into a relative strength without sacrificing any defense or playmaking ability.

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2015 Draft Preview: Charlotte Hornets

2015-16 Depth Chart
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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Charlotte Hornets Draft Review

9. Noah Vonleh, PF Indiana Fr. (6-10, 247)

Finally things are looking up for Charlotte. After a fortunate turn of events gave them an unexpected top 10 pick from Detroit, then a confluence of circumstances led to one of the top talents falling to them. It isn't just that Noah Vonleh is talented, but he is also a perfect fit for Charlotte because of how his game compliments Charlotte's star center Al Jefferson. Jefferson is a walking double-team on the low block and a stretch 4 like Vonleh can be would really help create space for him to operate. In addition to that, Vonleh is a committed, tough defender who can protect the rim and guard in the paint, something that is not Jefferson's forte. Vonleh has potential to be a star in his own right, he has all the physical gifts you could want in a power forward, developing skills, and is still only 18 years old.

26. P.J. Hairston, SG NBDL (6-5, 229)

With their second first round pick, this one from Portland, the Hornets continued to add shooting and upside with former UNC guard P.J. Hairston who played last season in the D-League. At his worst, Hairston should be a 3-and-D wing who can contribute off the bench. However, as a strong, athletic player who can finish at the rim, Hairston could grow into a true power guard and scorer if his ball-handling continues to develop. Hairston is more talented than the average late first rounder and would have been a lottery pick if not for some off-court issues at UNC. Between Vonleh and Hairston, the Hornets have gotten better now and in the long term, which hasn't been said about this team for a long time.

55. Semaj Christon, G Xavier So. (6-3, 186)

There are many ways to utilize second round picks, the one with the potential to make the most impact is to take a chance on a young, talented, but flawed prospect who, if everything breaks right could give you lottery impact but at a minuscule fraction of the cost and risk. Semaj Christon meets that criteria, he is very explosive in the open court and looks like Eric Bledsoe at times. However, he is not a natural point guard and nor is he an outstanding shooter, which leaves you with an undersized 2 guard who can't shoot. However, if he can learn to shoot a little or become a more consistent point, then Charlotte has a change of pace backup point guard. Those are big ifs, but with little risk, it is a worthy chance worth taking.

Projected Lineup

PG: Kemba Walker/Gary Neal/Semaj Christon

SG: Gerald Henderson/P.J. Hairston

SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Jeff Taylor

PF: Noah Vonleh/Cody Zeller

C: Al Jefferson/Bismack Biyombo

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