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As hard as it is to believe, the once-interminable Bobcats rebuild is over. The 2014-2015 Hornets boast the following attributes:
- 43 regular season wins last year
- an All-NBA player on the roster (Al Jefferson)
- cap space ($41mm of committed contracts before addressing Josh McRoberts, Jeff Taylor, and the backup point guard situation)
So, with that out of the way, let's delve into the most optimistic post in the history of this blog regarding the Bobcats/Hornets. The roster looks like this as currently constituted:
- Point Guard: Kemba Walker, TBD
- Shooting Guard: Gary Neal, Gerald Henderson
- Small Forward: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Jeff Taylor
- Power Forward: Josh McRoberts, Cody Zeller
- Center: Al Jefferson, Brendan Haywood
- Other: Bismack Biyombo, TBD, TBD, TBD, TBD
The 2014-2015 Hornets have a few glaring issues to address. First, a crunch time lineup that can space the floor for Big Al. There's a reason that two midseason additions (Gary Neal, Chris Douglas-Roberts) played significant minutes in a playoff series. Second, a reliable backup big that can work effectively out of the low post. Third, a reliable backup point guard. Fourth, continuing to build depth and talent. Having one All-NBA player doesn't punch an automatic ticket to the 2nd round of the playoffs (ask the T-Wolves). So, what should the Hornets target in the draft?
There are a few players I've talked about at the top of the draft, and if they were to unexpectedly fall, you'd have to take them. But in the event that it doesn't happen...
DRAFT NIK STAUSKAS AT #9.
He's a natural shooter off a catch-and-shoot or off-the-dribble. He has natural instincts working as the ball-handler in pick-and-rolls, and has the ability to get to the rim and either finish or get fouled, especially when attacking closeouts. His wingspan and strength probably won't allow him to be more than an average individual defender, but he gives you everything you'd want on offense from a shooting guard. I'm so bullish on Stauskas, I think he has the potential to sneak into an All-Star game at some point, and at the very least, he's a skilled basketball player that will always have a place on an NBA roster.
Upside Picks If They Fall (in order of preference): Joel Embiid, Julius Randle, Andrew Wiggins, Dante Exum, Noah Vonleh, Aaron Gordon
The guys I didn't mention (Jabari Parker, Marcus Smart) are guys I honestly would not draft at #9. I legitimately prefer the talent/fit combo that Stauskas brings over both of those guys. If none of those guys are available, here are other directions I would go...
Other Fit Picks (in order of preference): Jusuf Nurkic, Zach LaVine, trade down
DRAFT JOHNNY O'BRYANT AT #24.
Good low post scoring instincts in a legit power forward body. Conditioning should be a fixable issue given the progress he's already made since entering college, and Al could be the perfect mentor to help him realize is still-impressive potential. He could be the backup low post scoring threat that the Hornets desperately need, and a nice frontcourt complement to Cody Zeller.
Other Picks (in order of preference): Cleanthony Early, K.J. McDaniels, Mitch McGary, Walter Tavares, Russ Smith
DRAFT RUSS SMITH AT #45.
Smith's athletic ability and penchant for clutch performances are known by everyone who watched college basketball. His size might preclude him from performing with starter minutes over 82 games, but unleashed as a two-way terror with the second unit? He could be an incredible complement to our starting unit, and the definition of a "change of pace" coming off the bench.
Other Picks (in order of preference): Spencer Dinwiddie, Joe Harris
After the draft, the depth chart would like this...
Point Guard: Kemba Walker, Russ Smith
Shooting Guards: Nik Stauskas, Gary Neal
Small Forwards: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Jeff Taylor
Power Forwards: Josh McRoberts, Johnny O'Bryant
Centers: Al Jefferson, Cody Zeller
Bench: Gerald Henderson, Jeff Taylor, Bismack Biyombo
I like that roster's ability to space the floor, play both sides of the ball, and while there isn't a good answer to "what if Al Jefferson gets hurt," no team really has a good answer for replacing an All-NBA player. Besides, the team can still go get Gordon Hayward with a 4 yr, $50mm offer sheet when free agency starts.
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