Grading the Charlotte Hornets on Day 1 of the 2025 NBA Draft

Defensively, he’s not the most athletic. He lacks the foot speed and the agility to be a high-level defender in the NBA. But the motor is undoubtedly there. He also has a great feel for the game on that side of the court, with a pretty high defensive IQ. At 6-foot-7, 215 pounds, his size could also be a positive trait on that side of the ball. With the length and IQ that he possesses, he should grow into at least an impactful player in the passing lanes. But ultimately, the lack of speed and overall athleticism will haunt him early on in his career.

Grade: A-

Mark Williams Trade

The Charlotte Hornets traded away Williams for the second time this calendar year. The first time, it was rescinded by the Los Angeles Lakers though due to his physical. In return, Charlotte obtained the 29th pick in this draft and also received a first-round pick in 2029, as previously stated.

The Williams trade was a necessity. Williams (age 23) has true injury concerns, and these injuries often occur in the worst spots possible for a seven-foot, 240-pound center in the NBA. Through three seasons, Williams has yet to play over 50 games in any of them. He logged 43 outings in his rookie season, 19 in his sophomore season, and 44 this past season. To take things a step further, although the tools are there defensively, the motor is not. Moving on from Williams was important for Charlotte to do this offseason, and they finally did it. To get two first-round picks in return is undoubtedly a win.

Grade: B+

29th Overall (via PHX): Liam McNeeley

At 6-foot-7, Liam McNeeley is a skilled wing with a polished game offensively. He played well within the offense at the collegiate level, consistently made smart reads, and his overall decision making was promising. His shot-creation relative to his size is around average, and his handle isn’t eye-popping, but he has a decent scoring arsenal. Floaters, pull-ups, and shots around the rim are all shots that he could constantly get off.

But similar to Knueppel, he isn’t an amazing athlete. McNeeley lacks a burst, doesn’t have a quick first step, and he also isn’t very impressive vertically. Those things heavily hinder his potential scoring ability at the rim at the NBA level.

Overall, this selection from Charlotte won’t be considered a good or bad move until we see how he pans out in the NBA. There are a lot of questions about just how good he can be at his celling. But if you’re going to take risks in the first round, 29th is where you want to do it.

Grade: C

The Last Word:

The first round of the 2025 NBA Draft was a big night for the future of the Charlotte Hornets organization, and I don’t think they disappointed. They addressed the elephant in the room with the Williams trade, selected a guy who projects to be a great fit next to Ball and Miller in Knueppel, and selected McNeeley who is likely more of a project pick.

Overall Grade: B+