NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Is anyone’s ceiling higher than Anthony Edwards?

The Hornets haven’t had a ton of success with top-10 picks this decade, netting Kemba Walker (No. 9) but also Michael Kidd-Gilchrest (No. 2), Cody Zeller (No. 4), Noah Vonleh and Frank Kaminsky (both at No. 9). However, some nice moves later in the draft and a swing in free agency have netted them an interesting young core of Terry Rozier, Devonte’ Graham, P.J. Washington and Miles Bridges. The Hornets could clearly use help in the frontcourt but this is far to early to reach for James Wiseman and Obi Toppin’s offensive-first profile probably isn’t a huge help.

Ball’s size (6-foot-8) would let him play on the wing and open up several different lineup combinations. As a slasher whose jumper is still a question mark, he could play well off Rozier or Graham as a secondary creator, or slide over into more of a primary role and let them leverage their shooting off the ball. As a player with no NCAA experience, Ball would be a very different kind of prospect from the ones Charlotte has targeted the past few seasons. But if they jump into the top three and Okongwu is off the board, he’s a very intriguing possibility.

Learn more about LaMelo Ball with our full scouting report.