NBA Draft 2018: 5 targets for Charlotte Hornets

CHARLOTTE, NC- MAY 11: Charlotte Hornets General Manager, Mitch Kupchak introduces James Borrego as Head Coach of the Charlotte Hornets during a press conference in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 11, 2018 at the Spectrum Center. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander /

1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Kentucky)

The final, and in my opinion, the best option for Michael Jordan’s Hornets is another Kentucky one-and-done prospect, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian would give Charlotte the best combination of fit, value, and need in this draft class.

Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t as highly touted as Knox in high school, but the 6-foot-6 guard turned heads the moment he stepped on campus in Lexington. Gilgeous-Alexander was the name most talked about following early practices and Kentucky’s preseason combine. Gilgeous-Alexander operates as a combo guard for the Wildcats, but Kentucky really took off as a team when they ran the offense through Shai.

The Hornets wouldn’t strip Kemba of ball handling duties in favor of a rookie, but much like the Rockets adding Chris Paul, Gilgeous-Alexander gives Charlotte a secondary initiator for their offense. Given his plus-size for a point guard, Gilgeous-Alexander could slot right in alongside Walker. Shai’s ability to play one and defend two’s could also play well with Monk and let the Hornets get the most out of their previous lottery pick by having him play a role he’s more comfortable with.

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There’s also a scenario where Walker is no longer a member of the Hornets next season and Charlotte would need to bring in a point guard to replace him. Oklahoma’s Trae Young and Alabama’s Collin Sexton will likely be the first two point guards off the board in the 2018 NBA Draft. Leaving Gilgeous-Alexander on the board for the Hornets to select at 11. Gilgeous-Alexander doesn’t have any of the size questions that hover over Sexton and Young and could even guard up a position — something that Kemba cannot currently offer Charlotte.

This year’s pick seems to have more importance attached to it than previous ones. The Hornets have been stuck on the ill-fated wheel of mediocrity since the Bobcats days. This franchise needs a jolt in the worst of ways. Getting this selection right could go a long way to jump-starting something in Charlotte. Gilgeous-Alexander looks to be just the conductor that could turn this team into something His Airness would be proud of.

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