Charlotte Hornets: 2019 NBA Draft grades

Overall

With the fate of Kemba Walker hanging in the balance for the Charlotte Hornets, the organization seemed to play it safe early and take odd risks later on. All three picks are pretty much the same: standard wings that have potential to either be solid contributors or defensive specialists.

The fact that Kupchak expects all three to spend significant time in the G League is worrisome too.

Time will tell if the Hornets managed to find diamonds in the rough, but with the team already stocked up on wing players, it seems like this was an odd draft all around.

Maybe Nicolas Batum or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will get moved this offseason. Even if — and that’s a big if — that happens, the Hornets still have Miles Bridges, Malik Monk and Dwayne Bacon at the wings. Maybe even Jeremy Lamb, though these draft picks could signal he’s no longer apart of the team’s plans.

It’s one thing to take high upside risks at positions of need. The Hornets had chances at Bol Bol, Brandon Clarke and Nassir Little at various points in the draft. While they would have all been projects as well, they may have had a chance to provide a more immediate impact.

Kemba Walker wants to stay with the Hornets. While it remains to be seen if it actually happens, he’s even stated he doesn’t need the super-max to sign back on.

However, with a fairly average draft that seems to say the Hornets would rather draft and develop than try to compete again next year, they may have just lost their chance to keep Walker with other teams putting together their best pitches for him as well.

Grade: C