NBA Mock Draft: Wolves move up, Lakers get All-American

The Charlotte Hornets are already one of the most promising teams in basketball – led by Rookie of the Year favorite LaMelo Ball. Jalen Green is the best player available while also being in a position of need – which could make this a home-run selection.

The Hornets are going to be searching for their future second-option alongside Ball for the foreseeable future and jumping in the draft lottery for the second consecutive year would certainly benefit them.

The Hornets already have a fun, young team – with a core consisting of Ball, Miles Bridges, PJ Washington, and Gordon Hayward. Green gives them an athletic, score-first wing that has the potential to become an All-Star eventually.

NBA Mock Draft: Hornets get LaMelo Ball a co-star: Jalen Green

With one of the best developmental coaches in the league, it would be interesting to see whether Charlotte is able to groom Green to become the high-volume scorer that most playoff teams consistently rely on in big stretches. Having a playmaker as great as Ball certainly will benefit Green, as well – who won’t be pressured to start right away with Terry Rozier and Hayward taking a large part of the scoring load.

There really are not any other players that would fit the Hornets selection here. Maybe Jonathan Kuminga is in consideration – but again – Green is a higher caliber of player while also fitting a need – Kuminga would be stuck behind what has already become a logjam at the SF/PF positions in Charlotte.