Daily Knicks
Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft: A full first round following National Championship Game

By Maxwell Ogden

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 31
Next
OMAHA, NE – MARCH 23: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free throw line against the Syracuse Orange during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 23, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
OMAHA, NE – MARCH 23: Wendell Carter, Jr. #34 of the Duke Blue Devils concentrates at the free throw line against the Syracuse Orange during the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament Midwest Regional at CenturyLink Center on March 23, 2018 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images) /

170. . Center. Duke Blue Devils. Wendell Carter Jr.. 11. player

Age: 18 (4/16/1999)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 258 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: .561/.413/.738
Season Averages: 26.9 MPG, 13.5 PPG, 9.1 RPG, 2.9 ORPG, 2.0 APG, 2.1 BPG, 0.8 APG, 0.5 3PM

The Charlotte Hornets have talent at all five positions, but there’s simply something missing from the current roster. Perhaps the development of Malik Monk will solve that issue, but there’s no way around the current predicament.

Kemba Walker wants to return to the playoffs, which makes selecting the best player available the most appealing option: Duke Blue Devils center Wendell Carter Jr.

Yes, the Hornets’ roster is flush with centers, but a team that has too many players at one position tends to not have the right one at all. Thus, instead of hoping that one of the many big men on the roster can pan out, Charlotte should select a prospect who compares favorably to Al Horford.

Carter is essentially a stronger and better rebounding version of Cody Zeller in the sense that he can do a bit of everything, but is built to handle the grind down low.

Carter could help Steve Clifford do what he’s long attempted to do: Operate out of the high post via a skilled big man. In addition to being one of the best passing bigs in this class, Carter is an excellent rebounder, a capable post scorer, an improving shooter, and a respectable shot-blocker.

I understand the Hornets have a crowded situation at center, but you don’t pass on a potential All-Star just because you have quality role players.

Home/Knicks Draft