Charlotte Hornets · 2026 NBA Draft · Pick #14 · (34-48)
Top Positional Needs:
- C
- PF
- Wing
Round 1 Pick #14
Projection: Karim Lopez (SF, New Zealand Breakers)
Why: At No. 14 Charlotte adds NBL-tested wing size next to LaMelo Ball — pro-ready frame, real defensive projection.
Alternates: Yaxel Lendeborg (PF, Michigan), Hannes Steinbach (PF, Washington)
Round 1 (extra) Pick #18 (from Orlando)
Projection: Hannes Steinbach (PF, Washington)
Why: Charlotte's second first-rounder (via Orlando) adds a German stretch big with frontcourt youth.
Alternates: Jayden Quaintance (C, Kentucky), Henri Veesaar (C, UNC)
Round 2 Pick #33
Projection: Koa Peat (PF, Arizona)
Why: Bully-ball power forward depth.
Alternates: Alex Karaban (SF, UConn), Chris Cenac Jr. (C, HOU)
Round 2 (extra) Pick #34 (from New Orleans via San Antonio)
Projection: Ryan Kalkbrenner (C, Creighton)
Why: Second R2 via complex NO/SAS/PHX/MEM chain; Kalkbrenner is their backup-5 answer.
Alternates: Rueben Chinyelu (C, Florida), Henri Veesaar (C, UNC)