Charlotte Hornets: 5 takeaways from 2017-18 NBA season

3. Lottery pick struggles

The one positive to losing a lot during the regular season is that you are rewarded with higher draft picks. Prior to 2016 and 2017, the Hornets had selected in the top-10 in five consecutive seasons. That gave them a chance to build a foundation for the future. Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned.

In 2011, the team landed Kemba Walker out of Connecticut. That was their only true hit, and that became painstakingly obvious again this season. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has been decent, but not spectacular since being the No. 2 overall pick in 2012. The Hornets passed on players such as Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard and Andre Drummond to select Kidd-Gilchrist.

Cody Zeller, the No. 4 pick in 2013, played in only 33 games this season. Noah Vonleh, the No. 9 pick in 2014, lasted only one season in Charlotte before he was traded. In 2015, Frank Kaminsky was picked at No. 9 and played 23.4 minutes per game this season. Malik Monk was picked 11th in 2017. He had his bright spots, but struggled overall, appearing in 63 games but playing only 13.6 minutes per game.

The struggles and inabilities for the Hornets’ lottery picks to really take steps forward is a big reason why they are currently where they’re at. Outside of Walker, none have truly developed and lived up to the expectations of their draft position.

If the high draft picks are able to develop, the Hornets can take steps forward. Until they do that, Charlotte will be stuck at the backend of the lottery with no clear ways to improve the roster.