NBA Draft 2020: Matching top prospects with needs of top lottery teams

Charlotte Hornets: Upside — Forward Onyeka Okongwu, USC

The Charlotte Hornets employ a pair of intriguing young guards in Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham in their backcourt, but their general lack of talent throughout the rest of their roster is alarming.

Watching their all-time leading scorer Kemba Walker leave in free agency for the Boston Celtics last summer, Charlotte’s roster is in deep need of upside as they enter a rebuild having missed the playoffs in now their fourth consecutive season.

The issue here is unless the ping-pong balls bounce their way, they can’t expect a top-six pick in this year’s draft and a crack at the draft’s best prospects.

With this in mind, they must maximize upside and potential with this later pick, leading them to former University of Southern California (USC) forward Onyeka Okongwu.

Turning in a stellar freshman year in Los Angeles, Okongwu has all the makings of a modern NBA big man and could start immediately for the Hornets next season.

Showcasing his abilities as a scorer, rebounder, and defender with 16.2 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 61.6% percent shooting per game, he has all the necessary skills to effectively transition to the professional game and play alongside the dynamic guards Charlotte has begun to stockpile.