2025 NBA Draft: Charlotte Hornets First Round Recap, Six Options For Second Night

The Charlotte Hornets enter the second round of the 2025 NBA draft with the radar buzzing. Not after the typical “best available” gambles, but following a whirlwind first round that included trading Mark Williams for a second time. Charlotte drafted Duke Blue Devils sharpshooter Kon Knueppel at No. 4 and landed UConn Huskies standout Liam McNeeley at 29.

The blockbuster move to send Williams to Phoenix kicked back McNeeley and a top-five protected first-rounder in 2029.

Now, with back-to-back picks 33 and 34 in hand, Hornets fans are asking “What’s next?” There are a few options early on Thursday night.

Six Players Who Could be Headed to The Queen's City

Noah Penda (Le Mans, France)

A physical 6’8” forward with strong defensive instincts and a developing jumper (32.2% from 3). His motor and strength (242 lbs) make him an ideal stash or rotational swingman.

Rasheer Fleming (Saint Joseph’s)

At 6’9”, Fleming offers defensive toughness, vertical bounce, and underrated playmaking flashes. His shot is still raw (29.6% from 3), but he defends multiple positions and fits the athletic forward mold Charlotte lacks off the bench.

Ryan Kalkbrenner (Creighton)

A true 7-footer with elite shot-blocking instincts and serious vertical presence. He averaged 2.4 BPG and shot 64.4% from the field while adding a reliable mid-range touch. Not flashy, but Kalkbrenner’s maturity and defensive IQ could solidify Charlotte’s big man rotation post-Williams.

Maxime Raynaud (Stanford/France)

A stretch big (7’1”) with perimeter polish (34.7% from 3), Raynaud brings finesse and passing vision. Needs strength and pace, but as a floor-spacing bench 5, his value is rising.

Adou Thiero (Arkansas)

A 6’7” explosive combo wing with switchable defensive energy and decent rim attack who has upside. After averaging 15 PPG in the SEC, if he can refine his jumper and correct mental flaws, could be a valuable piece for the Hornets.

Bogoljub Markovic (Mega, Serbia)

The 6’11” forward shot nearly 39% from deep in Serbia and offers long-term versatility as a shooter and high-IQ floor-spacer. At just 19, he’ll need time, but the ceiling is enticing.

The Intel on Knueppel and McNeeley 

It's clear the Hornets are viewing this draft with a need for security. Knueppel at No. 4 comes with one of the best shooting touches in this class and a high basketball IQ. He fits what Charlotte is trying to do. Rutgers Ace Bailey was available, but the team wasn't sold on him like they were on Knueppel. He can space the floor around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. In a season where the Hornets ranked in the bottom third for team 3‑point percentage, Knueppel became an immediate fix.

McNeeley still being in the green room at No. 29 was a surprise. The Big East Newcomer of the Year is still raw in his development. However, he's another solid pick who will build his roots in Charlotte and become a role player.

Charlotte might be trying to rebuild with existing pieces, but it’s all about assembling a stable rotation, especially around Ball, Miller, and Knueppel. That's the strategy for the future. The trade rumors for Ball are interesting with roadblocks in the way, including his max contract and injury concerns.

The Hornets front office wants to plan for the future in the best way possible. Tonight will reveal whether they truly believe in sustainable growth, or are settling for short-term placeholders with the true rebuild on the horizon over the next three years.