6. Onyeka Okongwu, C, USC
Best fit: Charlotte Hornets
The Charlotte Hornets, if anything, performed a bit better than projected this season. Many expected the Hornets to be one of the worst teams in the NBA this season. However, the Hornets had their moments throughout the year. Specifically, Devonte’ Graham was one of the brightest spots for the team this season.
And the Hornets will have a good chance to add to their young core with a projected top 10 pick, and selecting Onyeka Okongwu would make a lot of sense for a team that is in transition at the center position.
Averaging 16 points and nine rebounds per game this season at USC is an above-average offensive player but will make his dough at the next level on the defensive end. If Okongwu is going to be a 30-plus minute per game player in the NBA, he’s going to have to work on extending his range and stretching the floor. The potential is certainly there, however.