NBA Mock Draft 9.0: What if Blazers win the No. 1 pick; Rockets take big risk at No. 4

NBA Draft prospect Keyonte George (Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports)
NBA Draft prospect Keyonte George (Chris Jones-USA TODAY Sports)
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NBA Draft
NBA Draft prospect Jarace Walker (Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports)

6. Charlotte Hornets – Jarace Walker, F, Houston

Heading into the offseason, the Charlotte Hornets are tasked with the difficult objective of finding a piece that fits perfectly next to LaMelo Ball. This team needs to take a tangible step forward and they will have a golden opportunity to do so with a top 10 draft pick in this year’s NBA Draft. The question is, who will be the pick for the Hornets?

With how the board has fallen, the Hornets will have options. They could take another guard but there’s no guarantee that they’ll be seamless fits next to Ball. And that matters, especially with a decision coming on a potential extension. I think there’s one “safe” play for the Hornets that would make a ton of sense – Jarace Walker.

Walker may not be a popular pick for the fanbase. He’s not flashy or an electrifying offensive player by any means, or at least he hasn’t shown that yet, but he is a winning player that would improve this roster.

And he’d be a great fit next to Ball on the offensive end of the floor and help the team defensively from day 1. If the Hornets just need to find a productive, game-changing player, Walker may be the pick.