The 2026 draft is shaping up to be quite an event for the Charlotte Hornets, who are poised to make two first-round selections. One of these picks is likely to come from the Phoenix Suns. The recent injury to Dillon Brooks, a key player for the Suns, could potentially enhance the value of this draft pick.
Charlotte acquired this draft asset along with Jusuf Nurkic in a trade that sent Cody Martin, Vasilije Micic, and a future second-rounder to the Suns last year.
The final position of the 2026 first-rounder hinges on the regular-season records of four teams, as it will be the least favorable of the picks from the Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, Orlando Magic, and Suns. Currently, Phoenix holds the best record among these teams at 33-24.
A Challenge for the Suns
The Suns now face the challenge of navigating the season without Brooks, who is sidelined indefinitely with a broken left hand sustained during a tight win over the Orlando Magic. Recovery from such an injury typically spans four to six weeks, but if surgery is required, Brooks could miss up to two months.
Brooks’ absence is a significant setback for Phoenix, particularly in their playoff aspirations. Known for his defensive prowess and leadership, Brooks has also been a crucial offensive contributor, averaging 20.9 points per game, second only to Devin Booker on the team.
Adding to their woes, Booker is expected to miss at least a week due to hip soreness, putting the Suns in a challenging position. Meanwhile, the Hornets stand to benefit from this situation.
Strategic Roster Moves
While no one in Charlotte is celebrating another team's misfortune, the potential increase in draft pick value is undoubtedly a positive development. It highlights the strategic acumen of the Hornets’ front office, led by Jeff Peterson, in executing savvy trades.
Turning a couple of expendable veterans into a first-round pick and Nurkic, who was later traded for a second-round selection and Collin Sexton, demonstrates their shrewdness. The Hornets then leveraged Sexton to acquire Coby White at this year’s trade deadline.
Looking ahead, the Hornets could end up with a first-round pick in the late teens, providing them with valuable options, especially given the depth of the 2026 draft class.