Which 2026 NBA Draft Prospect Could be Best for Hornets?

Despite just how good Peterson is, there’s little question he has the most overlap with the current Hornets roster. He’d oust one of Ball, Miller or Knueppel from the starting lineup, and take reps from all of them.

On the flip side of that argument is that if the Hornets again finish near the bottom of the standings, they probably don’t need to be drafting for fit anyways. Selecting Peterson would likely cause a roster shakeup, but maybe that’s what they need.

2. AJ Dybantsa, BYU

At 6-foot-9, Dybantsa is likely to have the highest ceiling of the group, offering fluid scoring and ball-handling.

He can dive-bomb the paint with his handle, rise for long-range jumpers and everything in between. He projects to be a strong offensive player, with room to grow passing-wise and defensively.

There’s overlap with Miller, who’s also seen as a lengthy three-level scoring wing. But there would certainly be room enough for both in the starting lineup.

1. Cameron Boozer, Duke

Boozer won’t be seen as the No. 1 prospect in the class for many due to a lack of flash compared to the other two, but he’s going to be a steady force for Duke next season. 

A 6-foot-9 forward, he’s an interior force, can stretch out to the perimeter, offers crisp play-making and decision-making and steady defense. He’s a proven winner that makes the right plays, and should step into Cooper Flagg’s production with the Blue Devils.

A player like Boozer would do wonders for the Hornets, offering frontcourt consistency and winning intangibles that they simply haven’t seen in the last decade.