NBA: Ranking every team’s best player in 2020-21

23. Gordon Hayward, F, Charlotte Hornets

Last season the Charlotte Hornets ranked 30th on this list, with Cody Zeller getting the nod in lieu of another reasonable option. During the season Devonte’ Graham broke out to make his case, and will be plying his trade as the second option this upcoming season with the sign-and-trade for forward Gordon Hayward.

Hayward has struggled with injuries, but when he is on the court he is still a difference-maker. He can score at all three levels, with the size to finish inside, but also has the playmaking chops to keep his teammates involved. The Hornets have struggled to get production from the forward position for years, and Hayward represents their best option there since Gerald Wallace, if not longer.

In the Mix: The aforementioned Devonte Graham had a truly great shooting season and will be a weapon no matter who else the Hornets put around him. LaMelo Ball was drafted third overall and is a point guard in a small forward’s body. If he can figure out how to score, his elite passing will help this team flow. Last year’s pick, Zeller, is a decent starting center when healthy but will likely fall out of the team’s long-term plans entirely.