Jun 26, 2024; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Tidjane Salaun poses for photos with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected in the first round by the Charlotte Hornets in the 2024 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images Brad Penner-Imagn Images

A big decision looms, and the Hornets 'can't afford' to fail in the 2025 NBA Draft

Originally posted on Charlotte Hornets on SI
By Zach Roberts | Last updated Jun 10, 2025 9:09 AM ET

For the ninth straight season, the Charlotte Hornets have a lottery pick.

As is common, it's a pick lower than their record would indicate, but it's far better than the other teams who populated the NBA's basement last season. Charlotte picks fourth, and it is imperative to nail the pick, according to Bleacher Report's Greg Swartz.

"While there have been some hits along the way (LaMelo Ball in 2020, Brandon Miller in 2023), Charlotte has whiffed just as often (James Bouknight in 2021, Tidjane Salaüun in 2024), and it made one huge mistake by trading Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in 2018," Swartz pointed out.

Swartz said that Salaun was a big reach in 2024 despite it being a weak draft class, since Jared McCain, Kel'el Ware, Matas Buzelis, Donovan Clingan, and others were all available. "All hope isn't lost on Salaun yet given his age (19), although the rookie's 33.0 field-goal percentage ranked 411th out of the 415 total NBA players who attempted at least 100 shots or more last season," the insider said.

He went on to say that Ball, Miller, and Mark Williams make up a "promising young core," although one more wing or a power forward remains a big need. Charlotte would've loved to land Cooper Flagg, especially once they made it into the top four as the team with the highest odds left to pick first.

However, Swartz said that fourth is far from a bad spot. When Flagg goes first, and if Dylan Harper goes second, the Hornets are "guaranteed to get either Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe." He also said that the Hornets will do their due diligence on Khaman Maluach, Tre Johnson, Noa Essengue, Kon Knueppel, and others.

"Between a nearly decade-long playoff drought and underwhelming early returns on Salaun, the Hornets need to find another star with this pick," the insider concluded. Whether that's Bailey or Edgecombe remains to be seen, but the Hornets can ill afford another Salaun.