Charlotte Hornets: 5 goals for the upcoming 2018 offseason

CHARLOTTE, NC - APRIL 8: Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Indiana Pacers on April 8, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

6 of 6

Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images /

1. Draft an impact player

For a cap-strapped team like the Hornets, selecting an impact player in the 2018 NBA Draft is a necessity. With the 11th-best odds to land the No. 1 pick, Charlotte is in position to get a good player in a top-heavy class.

Whether the Hornets pick Kevin Knox out of Kentucky, Wendell Carter Jr. out of Duke, Mitchell Robinson or some other player, they better be sure they pick the right guy. Unfortunately, this team has a history of wasting top picks on fringe role players if not outright busts. A team that has no room to add big-name free agents has to hit big on draft night. Historically, the Hornets haven’t done that, but that has to change going forward.

I’m curious to see how the Hornets approach the draft. With their payroll as it is, they need as much young talent as possible. Knox could be a nice stretch forward that could eventually replace Williams or Kidd-Gilchrist (he would also be a massive upgrade over Frank Kaminsky). Carter can also stretch the floor and give Charlotte a playmaking presence in the frontcourt. Robinson has a lot of upside and could develop into a great rim protector with his length and athletic ability.

The Hornets already have one franchise piece in Walker. If they want to inch closer to the upper tier of the Eastern Conference, they have to put great talent around him. They tried to do that via free agency, but all they have to show for it one first round exit and a bloated payroll.

Next: Full two-round 2018 NBA Mock Draft

Now, the Hornets must take chances on young talent to get out of this mess they made for themselves. It’s going to take a little while, but a good draft night can get the Hornets moving in the right direction.

Home/Charlotte Hornets