NBA Draft: Finding the perfect fit for each of the top prospects

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Jarace Walker, Houston Cougars – Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-USA TODAY Sports /

Perfect Fit #3: Charlotte Hornets and Jarace Walker

Injuries throughout the year made it hard to evaluate the Hornets, but the team limped to one of the worst records in the league anyway. They rarely had LaMelo Ball on the court to stabilize the offense, tried to find a fit in a crowded big man room, and lacked shooting creation without Terry Rozier.

Charlotte is in desperate need of a wing or forward who has some offensive upside, connector qualities, and defensive grit. With Gordon Hayward getting older, PJ Washington likely demanding a higher salary than the team wants to pay, and the nightmarish possibility that the team would have to turn back to Miles Bridges, the team needs a young forward to build around.

Jarace Walker has one of the most unique skillsets of any prospect in the 2023 draft class. He’s built like an NFL player, can handle and pass the ball with ease, and defends the perimeter and the rim with a ferocity that any team would love to have in the NBA.

Nothing easy at the rim when Jarace Walker is near. Instinctual drop rotation and a fairly easy block for him pic.twitter.com/4X1hzmDIlM
— Gabe (@Hoops_GE) April 9, 2023

On the Hornets, Walker would get to develop at a slow pace in a team framework that would support him in reaching his ceiling. Playing for a defensive-minded coach like Steve Clifford would be a perfect fit for Walker, as he could further sharpen his best attributes. He’ll also have the chance to catch passes from LaMelo Ball and blossom as a secondary creator and scorer for the team.