As the 2025 NBA Draft commences, the Charlotte Hornets aim to strengthen their roster by selecting promising talent. Facing a nine-year playoff drought and coming off a difficult 19-63 season, the team looks to build around star guard LaMelo Ball and improve their future prospects through the draft.
Injury Troubles Hampered Hornets’ Recent Season
The Hornets’ struggles last season were intensified by a rash of injuries. LaMelo Ball was limited to just 47 games due to an ankle injury, while Brandon Miller played in only 27 games after undergoing season-ending wrist surgery. Additionally, both Mark Williams and Grant Williams missed significant time—the former dealing with a foot tendon strain and lower back issues, and the latter recovering from torn ACL and meniscus injuries.
Potential Draft Target: Jeremiah Fears to Complement LaMelo Ball
Charlotte holds the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft and has the opportunity to add a key piece to their rebuilding core. NBA Draft consultant Rafael Barlowe notes that the Hornets have shown interest in Oklahoma freshman Jeremiah Fears, despite not having arranged a formal workout.
The Charlotte Hornets have reportedly shown interest, despite not securing a workout,
Barlowe said.
From what I’ve heard, there’s some internal belief in Charlotte that Fears and LaMelo Ball could share a backcourt. Charlotte has shown interest, even without a workout, believing he could coexist alongside LaMelo Ball.
—Rafael Barlowe, NBA Draft Consultant
Fears Offers Explosiveness and Versatility on the Backcourt
Since joining the NBA, LaMelo Ball has become known as an exciting playmaker with a fast-paced style and exceptional court vision, constantly seeking open teammates. Fears, an explosive combo-guard at Oklahoma, could complement Ball’s game well. As a freshman, he averaged 17.1 points and 4.1 assists, using elite quickness and tight ball-handling to penetrate defenses effectively, especially in pick-and-roll situations and transition plays.
This skill set would provide Charlotte with backcourt versatility, enhancing their options alongside their star point guard.
The Road Ahead: Building Around LaMelo Ball to End the Playoff Dry Spell
If the Hornets select Jeremiah Fears or a similar prospect, they may solidify their guard rotation for years to come. Adding a dynamic teammate for LaMelo Ball could accelerate Charlotte’s efforts to end their extended absence from the playoffs and set a foundation for sustained success.