2017 NBA draft grades: Hornets get good value with Malik Monk pick
The Hornets experienced a down 2016-17 campaign, regressing 12 wins from the season before. The team dealt with a slew of injuries, most notably a 20-game absence for starting center Cody Zeller in which the team went 3-17. Charlotte must use this offseason to address depth issues, and the draft presents the best avenue to do so. The Hornets could benefit from drafting a flexible wing who can play multiple spots on the floor and picking up a backup point guard to slot behind Kemba Walker.
Last year the team drafted Syracuse freshman Malachi Richardson, promptly shipping him to Sacramento in exchange for veteran guard Marco Belinelli. In a reserve role, he averaged 24 minutes per game and 10.5 points.
Here's the full list of picks the Hornets hold in the 2017 draft, which will be updated with grades and analysis as each selection is made.
2017 NBA Draft Grades: Pick-By-Pick Analysis
Round 1, Pick 14 (No. 11 overall): Malik Monk
Although Monk fell out of the Top 10, he wasn’t bound to fall very far. Charlotte planned to find a partner for Kemba Walker at this spot and also considered Donovan Mitchell. Monk’s the higher-upside play of the two, and presented a strong value opportunity here. He’s one of the draft’s top shooters, and could eventually be more than that thanks to his athletic ability. His defensive fit alongside Walker is a little questionable, and the Hornets will be giving up size, but they’ll certainly be more exciting. This was the right choice. - Jeremy Woo
Grade: A-
Round 2, Pick 10 (No. 40 overall via Pelicans): Dwayne Bacon, SG, Florida State
