NBA Draft 2015: Which Rookies Will Start Opening Night?

6. Frank Kaminsky, PF, Charlotte Hornets

As the lead up to the 2015 NBA Draft intensified, it was clear that Frank Kaminsky was the guy that the Charlotte Hornets had locked in on. After trading last year’s first-round pick Noah Vonleh and reportedly putting Cody Zeller on the trade block, the Hornets needed a big man up front to space the floor with Al Jefferson manning the middle.

Kaminsky, a deadly three-point shooter in college, is the man that the Hornets feel will be able to lead their offense for years to come. After struggling with three-point shooting last season, the Hornets have suddenly added Kaminsky, Jeremy Lamb and Spencer Hawes to help boost their scoring.

In the Eastern Conference, it doesn’t take much to get back into the playoffs and the Hornets should have a good shot of getting back in after adding wing defensive depth in Nic Batum, and the added shooters through trades.

Like Mudiay and Towns, Kaminsky is another lock to be in the starting lineup when the season begins as he will provide the spacing that they need up front. Add in the fact that Hornets were adamant about drafting him, it is apparent that they really like what they have in him.

The big question will be whether he has peaked as a college star and will go the way of a Joe Alexander or Adam Morrison, or if he can become a successful stretch shooter that will be a franchise player for many years. With the paradigm shift in the NBA to becoming three-point shooting oriented, Kaminsky might have a better shot of sticking than those other names.

When the season starts, Kaminsky will be up front alongside Al Jefferson.

Next: 7. Justise Winslow