Complete grades for all 30 teams in the 2019 NBA Draft

Charlotte Hornets

PJ Washington (No. 12), Cody Martin (No. 36), Jalen McDaniels (No. 52)

The Charlotte Hornets have had little success drafting forwards in past years. In 2019, they took another swing by selecting sophomore PJ Washington. Having shown vast improvements during his second season at Kentucky, Washington can slide between both forward slots with two-way potential.

He took just 78 3-point attempts last year but canned 42.3 percent of them. With more fine-tuning and extra reps, the All-SEC member has the chance to bring a level of versatility Charlotte’s been craving after guys like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and Frank Kaminsky have failed to pan out.

Maybe it was insurance in case Kemba Walker goes elsewhere in free agency. It’s possible the Hornets selected Cody Martin to serve as his backup for the future with the retirement of Tony Parker.

No matter the situation, Charlotte is getting a capable playmaker who averaged 4.9 assists per game last season with the ability to create open shots off screens. A lanky guard, Martin can shoot the ball and provide a level of defensive versatility the Hornets don’t currently have on their roster.

Jalen McDaniels may have the size of a forward at close to 6’10” with a 7’0” wingspan, but he possesses a quick first step with the ball in his hands and has the form necessary to develop into a capable outside shooter.

The direction of the Hornets franchise could look very different by the start of next season and they don’t do themselves any service by remaining mediocre. Washington should pair nicely with Miles Bridges on the wing, while Cody Martin may find himself with extended playing time should Kemba decide to take his talents elsewhere.

Grade: B-