May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Liam McNeeley talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images David Banks-Imagn Images

Grading the pick: Hornets add another promising scorer in Liam McNeeley

Originally posted on Charlotte Hornets on SI
By Thomas Gorski | Last updated Jun 26, 2025 7:28 AM ET

After selecting Duke’s Kon Knueppel at No. 4 overall, the Charlotte Hornets stayed aggressive on draft night.

The night was far from over as the organization swung a trade, where they sent the Phoenix Suns Mark Williams for two first-round picks, which included the No. 29 overall pick. With that selection, the Hornets drafted UConn forward Liam McNeeley.

McNeeley came into the night rated highly on many pre-draft boards, with several analysts projecting him as a mid-to-late first-rounder — some even had him graded as a fringe lottery pick. For a Hornets team looking to add scoring and floor spacing, he fills a clear need.

McNeeley gives the Hornets something they’ve been missing — reliable shooting and floor spacing. McNeeley probably starts his career in a reserve role, but there’s an opportunity for him to earn more minutes if he shows growth on the defensive end.

At 6-foot-7, he brings much-needed shooting to Charlotte’s rotation. The defensive side of his game still needs work, but with development, he has a shot to push for a larger role down the line.

Here’s how the McNeeley selection grades out.

Draft Grade: A-

This is a solid value pick by Hornets President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson. Charlotte keeps adding young talent, and grabbing McNeeley at No. 29 only helps their long-term rebuild.

McNeeley’s not coming in to change the franchise overnight, but his shooting and natural scoring ability fit what this roster needs. His efficiency numbers — under 40 percent from the field and from three — show he’s still raw, but at 19, there’s room to grow.

At worst, McNeeley provides the Hornets with much-needed shooting off the bench, addressing a glaring weakness from last season. His ability to space the floor will help open up driving lanes and create more room for Charlotte’s playmakers.

For a team still building toward sustained success, this pick fits the timeline perfectly — a low-risk move with upside. If he develops as expected, McNeeley could become a reliable rotation piece and a key contributor in the years ahead.