2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Who would the Houston Rockets take No. 1?

The Hornets hit a home run with LaMelo Ball in last year’s draft and this season was a huge step forward, even if it fell short of the actual playoffs. Every part of their guard and wing rotation has looked solid and even more complementary than they could have hoped. The next step is adding depth and diversity in the frontcourt. The Hornets would probably love to get someone who could split time between the 4 and 5 but once Evan Mobley is off the board there’s really no one else in this range who makes sense.

Positionally, Kuminga probably duplicates a lot of what the Hornets already have with Miles Bridges and P.J. Washington but his athletic tools mean he could play with a force the current roster doesn’t currently have. Kuminga has the potential for a versatile, skilled game but it will take time to develop. In the interim, he’ll benefit a ton from playing with the space and creators the Hornets already have in their offense.