With the NBA regular season in the rearview mirror, the league's attention is pivoting toward the future. For teams like the Charlotte Hornets, that means the 2026 NBA Draft is now squarely in focus. As front offices and scouts intensify their evaluations, the picture of this promising draft class is coming into sharper focus, especially after a thrilling March Madness tournament that saw new stars emerge on the national stage.
The draft process kicks into high gear soon, with the NBA Draft Lottery set for May 10th in Chicago to determine the all-important top 14 selections, followed immediately by the draft combine. For Hornets fans eager to see how their team might build around its young core, these projections offer an exciting glimpse. Based on current standings and factoring in trades, here’s a look at who could be on Charlotte's radar with the projected No. 14 pick.
The name to watch is Braylon Mullins, the electric wing from UConn who became a household name during the NCAA tournament. A former McDonald's All-American, Mullins showcased a clutch gene and a winning mentality, hitting one of the most memorable shots of March Madness to help propel the Huskies to the championship game. His immediate appeal for an NBA team is his elite shooting; he connected on 40.7% from deep after entering the starting lineup. As a dynamic off-ball threat, Mullins could step into a practical, high-value role from day one, providing the kind of floor-spacing the Hornets' offense could utilize.
Another intriguing prospect is Jayden Quaintance, the talented big man whose sophomore season was hampered by a significant knee injury. Despite limited playing time at Arizona State and Kentucky, Quaintance remains one of the youngest players in the class and has shown flashes of being a potential defensive anchor. When healthy, his defensive instincts and rim protection could make him the most impactful defender in this draft. For a Hornets team that has consistently sought frontcourt stability, Quaintance represents a high-upside gamble, though his medical evaluations will be a critical part of the pre-draft process.