NBA Draft 2021: Biggest needs for all 30 teams ahead of draft day

Boston Celtics – No. 45

Biggest needs: Point guard, forward

Their first-round pick and starting point guard Kemba Walker are now at Oklahoma City, meaning that the Celtics only have one pick, for now, to try and improve their roster. With Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum as franchise cornerstones, the team needs to focus on either adding another big man, or ball-handler.

If they’re looking for a high-ceiling option around 45, Ayo Dosunmu of Illinois could still be around, as well as Miles McBride of West Virginia and McKinley Wright IV from Colorado. Boston could also just go for “best player available” here, as they also have been dealing with trade rumors as well after this rocky past season.

Charlotte Hornets – No. 11, 56, 57

Biggest need: Any frontcourt help

The pick of LaMelo Ball last year proved to be a winner, with the franchise having their point guard for the next 10+ years. Gordon Hayward was good for Charlotte when healthy and Terry Rozier was the team’s leading scorer at 20.4 ppg. The backcourt is in good shape but the frontcourt isn’t outside of PJ Washington who averaged 12.9 ppg and 6.5 rpg as the power forward but is still undersized at 6’7.

The center position for the Hornets consisted of Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo but they’ll need a big upgrade if they’re going to crack the top-8 of the Eastern Conference. At pick No. 11, only Kai Jones of Texas makes sense, but that would be a reach there. Gonzaga sharpshooter Corey Kispert would be a nice piece for Ball to pass to on offense but I wouldn’t be shocked if the Hornets opted to trade down towards the middle of the first round.