The Charlotte Hornets are turning heads this season with their youthful resurgence. After years of rebuilding, their young stars are starting to deliver, pushing the team into the 10th spot in the Eastern Conference. With a 26-31 record, the Hornets are making a play-in push, showcasing the talents of LaMelo Ball, Kon Knueppel, Brandon Miller, and others.
Knueppel, in particular, is making waves as a strong contender for the Rookie of the Year award. He's been lighting up the court with averages of 19.1 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His shooting has been nothing short of stellar, hitting 48.5 percent from the field and an impressive 43.3 percent from beyond the arc on eight attempts per game.
Looking ahead, the Hornets are poised to add even more firepower to their roster. According to the latest mock draft from Bleacher Report, Charlotte is projected to select Koa Peat with the 13th overall pick.
Peat, a standout forward from Arizona, is posting solid numbers in his freshman year, averaging 13.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game. His shooting efficiency is noteworthy, with a 54.2 percent success rate from the field.
Peat's game is versatile, featuring slashing, mid-range prowess, and playmaking skills that could provide the Hornets with much-needed depth at forward. Standing at six-foot-eight, he brings size and potential to the table, although there are areas for growth, such as his three-point shooting and defensive skills. With the rest of the season and the NCAA Tournament ahead, Peat has a chance to elevate his draft stock even further.
The Hornets are in an enviable position, with opportunities to bolster their roster through the draft. They hold their own first-round pick and have swap rights to another, setting the stage for strategic additions. Peat could seamlessly fit into the core alongside Ball, Knueppel, and Miller, as Charlotte aims to climb into the top-six seeds and secure a direct playoff berth next season.