Draft - Charlotte Hornets On SI - Sports Illustrated

Draft

Taking a way-too-early look at the 2026 NBA Draft.

Draft

Taking a way-too-early look at the 2026 NBA Draft.

Recent Articles

Apr 11, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee looks on during the first half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

News

The Hornets enter next year’s NBA Draft with multiple first-round picks and plenty of ways to add talent to their young core. We break down who Charlotte could target and how each pick might shape the team’s long-term future.

Apr 1, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; McDonald's All American West center Chris Cenac Jr. (1) claps during the second half of the game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images

Draft

Which player does Charlotte need to land in 2026?

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Liam McNeeley stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 29th pick by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Draft

The young Hornets player had a good impression with Charlotte during his pre-draft meeting.

Mar 30, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee reacts during the first half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

News

With multiple first-round picks on the horizon, Charlotte’s rebuild hinges on key decisions in 2026 and 2027 — and Bleacher Report’s latest mock draft gives a glimpse of what’s to come.

Draft

The Hornets had their eyes set on the No. 1 pick, but came away happy with another Duke star.

Utah Prep's AJ Dybantsa, of Brockton, during a game vs. Montverde Academy the HoopHall Classic at Springfield College on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.

Draft

The Hornets probably need to be bad for one more year.

Apr 1, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; McDonald's All American West guard Mikel Brown Jr. (11) dribbles the ball during the first half of the game against McDonald's All American East at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Pamela Smith-Imagn Images

Draft

The 2026 NBA Draft presents a big opportunity for the Hornets’ rebuild.

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kon Knueppel arrives before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Draft

Knueppel had a rough start to Summer League.

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kon Knueppel shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Draft

Peterson is stockpiling draft picks to build the Hornets into a long-term contender through smart development and flexibility.

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kon Knueppel stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

News

The Hornets top selection will play tonight against the Utah Jazz.

Mar 21, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee watches his team play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Draft

Hornets projected to draft potential LaMelo Ball replacement.

Mar 20, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) reacts after a play during the first half against the Louisville Cardinals in the first round of the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Draft

Breaking down the Hornets' two second-round selections.

Mar 27, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Arizona Wildcats guard KJ Lewis (5) drives to the basket against Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) during the second half during an East Regional semifinal of the 2025 NCAA tournament at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Draft

The top-five pick talked about perceived weaknesses in his game as he heads into the NBA.

Mar 26, 2025; Newark, NJ, USA; Duke Blue Devils guard Kon Knueppel (7) during a practice session in preparation for an East Regional semifinal game against the Arizona Wildcats at Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Draft

The Hornets depth chart looks a little different post NBA Draft

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Kon Knueppel shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the fourth pick by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Draft

The four additions Charlotte made have one insider singing their praises.

Mar 22, 2025; Lexington, KY, USA; Creighton Bluejays center Ryan Kalkbrenner (11) looks on during the first half against the Auburn Tigers in the second round to the NCAA Tournament at Rupp Arena. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Draft

The selection of Ryan Kalkbrenner was a stroke of genius, Jonathan Givony says.

Jun 25, 2025; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Liam McNeeley stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 29th pick by the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Draft

The selections of Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley were apparently very good.

Draft

Breaking down Charlotte's fourth and final selection in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Draft

Breaking down Charlotte's first selection in the second round.

May 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, US; Duke players L-R Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg, during the 2025 NBA Draft Lottery at McCormick Place. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Draft

The number-one pick had a great reaction to his Duke teammate being drafted.

Nov 20, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Saint Joseph's Hawks forward Rasheer Fleming (13) shoots the ball during the first half against the Kentucky Wildcats at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images

Draft

The St. Joe's big man fell to the second round after being a projected first round prospect.

Draft

The Hornets' number 4 pick drew a rave review from Paul Biancardi