The latest mock drafts have the Charlotte Hornets going all-in on big men, and it is a risky move. In The Ringer’s updated projection, the team selects Jayden Quaintance at No. 14 and Hannes Steinbach at No. 18. This double-dip strategy immediately raises eyebrows among fans who want a balanced roster. The frontcourt is already crowded, and adding two more players there creates a logjam that hurts development.
A Rotation That Cannot Fit Everyone
Charlotte already has Miles Bridges, Moussa Diabate, Ryan Kalkbrenner, Grant Williams, and Tidjane Salaun fighting for minutes. Adding Quaintance and Steinbach makes the rotation incredibly complicated. According to Swarm and Sting, passing on the best player available twice could become a decision they regret. The NBA is moving toward positionless basketball, so grouping all these players as “bigs” leaves too many mouths to feed. One of these new picks will likely become a starter, but the other will just sit on the bench.
Ignoring the Guard Market
Jeff Peterson has openly expressed interest in the guard class, yet the mock drafts ignore this. Swarm and Sting reports that the team could target a prospect like Labaron Philon Jr. or Bennett Stirtz instead. Cameron Carr also vaulted up the boards after a strong performance at the NBA Combine. Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report wrote that Carr earned himself more money by showing he is a “surefire NBA scoring wing.” Ignoring this talent while adding more frontcourt depth seems like a mistake. The team needs scoring and ball-handling, not just size.
Why the Double-Dip Fails
With expiring deals for Bridges and Williams, the team might need to trade someone just to clear space. It is easy to imagine Charlotte moving on from a young player like Salaun simply because the rotation is too full. A better option is to take the best player available at another position. Per Swarm and Sting, there is a real case that adding a guard offers a more balanced approach. If the frontcourt becomes frustratingly congested, the team wastes its draft capital. The Hornets need to trust their current young core rather than forcing a crowded lineup.
Do you think the Hornets should stick to the big man plan or swing for a guard? Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.
