2023 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Mavs’ $750K fine pays off

The Hornets started to play real defense toward the end of the season. That’s a promising trend and it will have to continue once LaMelo Ball returns in the fall. At times, Charlotte has felt like the most directionless franchise in the NBA. But it’s hard to be truly directionless with a young star of Ball’s caliber locked in, and many of Charlotte’s young peripheral pieces — P.J. Washington, Mark Williams, Nick Richards — are starting to pay dividends.

In Jarace Walker, the Hornets add the most impressive defensive prospect from the college ranks. Walker absolutely dominated at Houston; his blend of strength, mobility, and awareness was simply too much for college offenses to scheme around. Walker has the competitive fire and intangibles you want in a franchise cornerstone and he’s tailor-made to defend in the modern NBA.

Listed at 6-foot-8 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan, Walker is built like an NFL player. He can battle bigs in the post, slide his feet with guards on the perimeter, or incite chaos as a roamer. He’s sharp and seldom out of position. His switchability should eventually translate to the highest level of NBA competition. Not many players can actually guard five positions, but Walker is one of them.

Walker’s fit is equally intriguing on the offensive end. He’s smooth and physical in the post, capable of evading defenders with nimble footwork or plowing right through them. His passing acumen carries unique value in the frontcourt and there are real flashes of pull-up shot-making. That said, his inconsistency from deep is a valid concern — especially when projecting his fit next to paint-bound centers like Williams or Richards.