Hornets Make Smart Moves on Draft Night, Secure Key Talent and Future Assets

The Hornets were active on Draft Night

Charlotte, NC – The Charlotte Hornets entered the 2025 NBA Draft with significant opportunities to reshape their roster, and they seized those opportunities with a combination of strategic drafting and a surprising trade. While some questioned the fit of their lottery selection, the overall outcome has analysts bullish on the Hornets’ future.

The Mark Williams Trade: A Stroke of Genius?

Before diving into the draft picks, it’s crucial to address the significant pre-draft move that altered Charlotte’s landscape: the trade of center Mark Williams to the Phoenix Suns. In exchange for Williams, the Hornets acquired the No. 29 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft and a protected 2029 first-round pick (least favorable of Cleveland, Utah, or Minnesota’s first-round picks), along with veteran guard Vasilije Micić.

This trade has been widely lauded as a win for Charlotte. Williams, a 2022 first-round pick, had shown flashes of potential, particularly as a rim protector and rebounder (averaging 15.3 points, 10.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.2 blocks in 44 games in 2024-25), but his injury history and inconsistencies reportedly made him expendable in the Hornets’ long-term plans.² Turning a player who hadn’t fully lived up to his draft slot into two future first-round picks, especially one in the immediate draft, is a testament to the Hornets’ front office. The 2029 pick, while protected, offers valuable future flexibility. Adding Vasilije Micić, who was recently traded from Charlotte to Phoenix in February, provides a familiar face and potential backcourt depth, though his $8.1 million team option for next season would need to be exercised.

The move signals a clear commitment to a flexible, asset-driven rebuild, setting the stage for their draft night selections.

Hornets’ First Round Picks: Adding Skill and Shooting

The Hornets walked away from the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft with two promising prospects, addressing key needs for their developing roster.

No. 4 Overall Pick: Kon Knueppel, SF, Duke

College Stats (2024-25 Season): 14.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 2.7 APG, 47.9% FG% (Source: Basketball-Reference.com)

Kon Knueppel Draft Night Audio (Courtesy Charlotte Hornets)

Analysis: The selection of Kon Knueppel at No. 4 overall was a move that prioritized skill, shooting, and basketball IQ. Knueppel, a 6-foot-5 small forward from Duke, is widely regarded as one of the best pure shooters in this draft class.⁴ His ability to space the floor will be invaluable for a Hornets offense built around the playmaking of LaMelo Ball and the scoring versatility of Brandon Miller. At Duke, Knueppel demonstrated a high level of offensive polish, showing he can score efficiently both off the catch and by creating his own shot.⁵ His strong fundamental game and understanding of spacing make him an immediate fit.

Concerns exist around his athleticism and defensive capabilities at the NBA level. He wasn’t tasked with guarding elite athletes in college, and that will be a significant jump. However, his high basketball IQ and willingness to compete could help him compensate. The Hornets clearly believe his elite shooting and offensive feel outweigh these concerns, especially considering his potential to be a dynamic off-ball threat who can also step up when needed, as evidenced by his expanded role when Cooper Flagg was sidelined at Duke.

Grade: B – A solid pick that addresses a clear need for shooting and complements Charlotte’s existing young core. The upside is high if his defense develops.

No. 29 Overall Pick (via Phoenix Suns): Liam McNeeley, SF, UConn

College Stats (2024-25 Season): 14.5 PPG, 6.0 RPG, 2.3 APG, 31.7% 3P% (Source: Basketball-Reference.com, NBC Sports)

Analysis: The Hornets maximized the value from the Mark Williams trade by using the No. 29 pick on Liam McNeeley, a 6-foot-6 small forward out of UConn.⁶ McNeeley was a highly-touted prospect coming out of Montverde Academy, known for his excellent shooting and ability to play off the ball alongside other talented players.⁷ While his three-point percentage at UConn (31.7%) might raise some eyebrows, it’s important to consider he was often asked to be a primary shot creator for the Huskies, a role he wasn’t always suited for. The Hornets are banking on him returning to his high school form, where he consistently demonstrated elite catch-and-shoot ability.

McNeeley’s high basketball IQ and competitive spirit are also attractive qualities. He projects as a strong 3-and-D prospect who can contribute immediately as a floor-spacer and capable defender. This pick provides excellent value at the end of the first round, as many analysts had McNeeley pegged as a mid-first-round talent.

Grade: A – A steal at No. 29. McNeeley offers high-level shooting and defensive potential, fitting perfectly into the Hornets’ vision of a versatile, skilled roster.

Overall Draft Grade for the Charlotte Hornets: A-

The Charlotte Hornets navigated the 2025 NBA Draft exceptionally well. The Mark Williams trade was a masterclass in asset management, turning a potentially stagnating player into immediate draft capital and future flexibility. With Kon Knueppel, they addressed their need for elite shooting and a high-IQ offensive player who can thrive alongside their core. With Liam McNeeley, they snagged a significant steal, adding another high-level shooter and a competitive wing who perfectly fits the modern NBA.

While the loss of Mark Williams leaves a void at center, the Hornets have options in free agency and with their two second-round picks (Nos. 33 and 34) to address that need. The influx of shooting and overall basketball intelligence with Knueppel and McNeeley should provide a significant boost to a Hornets team looking to climb out of the Eastern Conference basement. This draft showcases a clear strategic direction from the front office, focusing on skill, shooting, and long-term potential. The future in Charlotte looks brighter after this draft night.