NBA Draft 2020: Biggest needs for each Eastern Conference franchise

Picks: 3, 32, 56 

Needs: Franchise Centerpiece

After jumping up several spots in the lottery all the way to #3, the Charlotte Hornets have an opportunity to add a high-level talent to a roster that significantly lacks it.

Outside of backcourt mates Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham, the Hornets struggled to score the basketball in 2019-20 and looked lost without former cornerstone Kemba Walker all year.

Despite these fixtures in the backcourt and an overall lack of talent or depth in the frontcourt, Charlotte should go for broke with this opportunity and target the draft’s most polarizing prospect — LaMelo Ball.

Without much to lose after winning just 23 games last season, investing in Ball could potentially yield a multiple-time All-Star for a franchise that has struggled year after year to generate attention.

Outside of the marketing side of the decision, Ball actually makes solid basketball sense for Charlotte. Built with an NBA frame at 6’8 with NBA three-point range as well, he perfectly embodies a modern-day point guard and offers significantly greater potential than other prospects outside of Edwards and Wiseman, both of which are expected to be off the board.

If Charlotte truly wants to get take a chance at returning to relevance, Ball is their man at the #3 spot.