2014 NBA Mock Draft: An in-depth look at both rounds
By Joe Nardone
Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
9. Charlotte Hornets – Nik Stauskas, SG, Michigan
H: 6′ 6″ W: 207 lbs DOB: 10/07/1993
2013-14 NCAA (36 GP) 17.5 PPG 2.9 RPG 3.3 APG 22.9 PER
The Hornets are slowly shaping up to be one of the more up-and-up teams in the Eastern Conference, and drafting Nik Stauskas is only going to help them. After boasting a top-five defense this past season, Charlotte really needs help scoring the ball. Enter Stauskas. The Toronto bred combo guard had an incredible freshman year averaging 11 points per game on .440-percent three-point shooting, and came back for his sophomore season only to win the Big Ten Player of the Year award.
Last season saw Stauskas average 17 points per game on .442-percent shooting from down town, while he got to the free throw line more and averaged more assists, taking on a bigger role as a facilitator in the absence of Trey Burke.
I think Stauskas is still a pretty big unknown at the next level, but with his basketball IQ, sharp shooting, and propensity for improving, he will immediately help a Hornets team that was near the bottom of the league from three last season. — Jared