The Charlotte Hornets addressed their need at center Tuesday night by trading for Dwight Howard, meaning they will not be taking a big man with the No. 11 pick in the first round of the NBA Draft. As such, who are they looking at with the selection? Here are Charlotte's top three targets:
1) Malik Monk, SG, Fr., Kentucky Wildcats
6'3", 200 lbs. - 19.8 ppg, 2.5 rpg, 2.3 apg
Monk isn't expected to still be on the board when the Hornets pick, but if he slides that far, Charlotte will gladly snatch him up. He can play both on and off the ball, and while he's not a defensive stopper, he would vastly helps improve their shooting. The Hornets are a team that loves to shoot three-pointers, but don't have many three-point shooters. Monk would fix that.
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2) Luke Kennard, SG, So., Duke Blue Devils
6'6", 202 lbs. - 19.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.5 apg
Kennard's stock just keeps rising thanks to his offensive skill and the surprising athleticism he flashed in workouts, and Charlotte seems to be the one to take him. They need offensive help, especially on the wing off the bench, and Kennard fits that mold to a tee. He's incredibly polished on that end of the floor, and the Hornets can make up for his defensive limitations.
3) Donovan Mitchell, SG, So., Louisville Cardinals
6'3", 211 lbs. - 15.6 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 2.1 spg
Adding Mitchell, with this offensive upside and lockdown defensive abilities, make him a real intriguing prospect for the Hornets. He may not have a distinct position, but his 6-foot-10 wingspan has eased doubts about him being able to play shooting guard at the NBA level. Mitchell might be the best athlete in this class (which is saying something) and has developed a good jump shot, making an average of two three-pointers per game this past season. And, he's only scratching the surface of his potential.
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