Pre-Draft Lottery Projection: 12
If there’s one thing the Hornets’ star Kemba Walker has made clear, it’s that he needs legitimate help if Charlotte wishes to return to the playoffs. Without a true second option on the offensive end, the Hornets would do well to grab the Japanese basketball phenom Rui Hachimura.
Last season Hachimura proved he can score at will, averaging an impressive 19.7 points per game on a 63.9 true shooting percentage. Adding Hachimura also allows Miles Bridges to slide back into his more natural role at the wing. This move would allow Charlotte to kickstart a true youth movement at each position while still remaining competitive should they manage to keep Kemba around.
Pre-Draft Lottery Projection: 19 (+6)
The Southeast Division keeps the ball rolling here with its fifth pick in the last six selections. With Justise Winslow transitioning to a point-forward role and strong rebuilding pieces already at the wing, power forward and center positions, the Heat are in perfect position to draft a replacement for Dion Waiters. With only two ageing guards on the roster next season, Kevin Porter Jr. is a strong pick to fill the positional gap and a void in the rebuilding timeline.
Only starting four games at an under-performing USC, Porter possesses sleeper pick potential due to a smaller national spotlight. Of all the high-end guards still available, Porter is likely the best three-point shooter of the bunch. If there’s anything Miami needs, it’s shooters. In a league dictated by spacing and shooting, the Heat are doing themselves a massive disservice by not having a single player on their team that shoots above 38 percent from deep. Porter is a step in the right direction.