2018 NBA Mock Draft: Who’s moving at the top?

We’re going to try the #FanSidedMock thing here again, Hornets fans. I understand Gilgeous-Alexander isn’t much of a consolation prize after a disappointing season and complete reset in the front office, but he just might be the best player available here. In addition, the Hornets are facing decision time on Kemba Walker and will soon need a replacement ball-handler.

The freshman was incredibly efficient leading the young Wildcats over the course of the season, getting better game by game. He is 6-6 with legitimate lead ball-handler skills, a rarity with clear value, especially considering the way the league’s best teams play. The Hornets have very little young talent, but Gilgeous-Alexander is the type of player who would smoothly make everyone better, from stretch big Frank Kaminsky to Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, a sweet fit on defense who needs support as a scorer.

Gilgeous-Alexander will need to prove his shooting range is legit after a limited sample from distance in his one season at Kentucky, and show NBA teams that he can get to the rim against set defenses, a skill which is not his normal proclivity but will be necessary against NBA-quality point guard defense.

First up: figure out how the team wants to play under new coach James Borrego and identify limitations to that style based on the current personnel. That will dictate their draft strategy more than their scouting report on someone like Gilgeous-Alexander.