2018 NBA Mock Draft: The standings are set

Because it’s an alternative we haven’t considered in this space all year, let’s think about what happens if the Hornets trade Kemba Walker on draft night. They obviously keep their own pick in that case (unless they become the Bulls somehow), and add another. That trade also creates a need at point guard.

Let’s say Indiana offers them a package centered around the No. 20 pick and salary compensation, meaning the Hornets have the 11th and 20th picks, plus extra cap room and no superstar point guard. If the lottery goes chalk and everyone gets the pick they earned, it’s likely Sexton lasts past the top ten. If Charlotte could land Sexton and another good player at 20, their rebuild would be off to a good start.

Sexton is probably a more athletically gifted player than Walker, meaning he should eventually be able to score in isolation and finish at the rim better than Walker. He defends his position well. It’s as good a reset as you’re going to get toeing the line the way Charlotte does and drafting so low every year.