Next years draft class may be weak overall, but its one strength is it's big men!! I think that we just need a placeholder at center for this year and then we can grab one in the draft. I mean, we are rebuilding. Th
The top centers for next years draft class are (If they all declare for the draft) Cody Zeller, Nerlens Noel, Isaiah Austin, Rudy Gorbet, and Steven Adams. We should take one of these players if we have a lottery pick.
6-11 PF/C Nerlens Noel: Nerlens Noel is being seen as Anthony Davis, if he were a center. He is a shot blocking menace, he's going to UK, and he has a signature look. His offensive game is not as strong as Davis's, but he is regarded as an arguably better shot blocker. This is crazy considering Davis was just the NCAAB Defensive Player of the Year. If the Hornets got high enough in the lottery, they could get Noel, and with him, potentially one of the most defensively dominant front courts in the history in the NBA.
6-11 PF/C Cody Zeller: Cody Zeller is one of the top players to return to college for a sophomore campaign. If he had come out in this years draft, he would have been a lottery pick. What sets Zeller apart is that he is a great passer for his position and can shoot the ball very well also. Cody, like his brother Tyler, runs the floor at an elite level. He has a high I.Q. and is very quick. He would be a great pairing next to Davis because of how advanced his offensive game is. Him and Noel would make a dominant duo for many years.
7-1 C Rudy Gorbet: Rudy Gorbet is this years top international prospect. He impressed many scouts in the French U-20 vs the Eurocamp Allstars game. Gorbet posses a high motor and a HUGE 7-9 wingspan!!! He runs the floor well and has very good hands for a man his size. He is a good rebounder and leaper. Let's just say that if the Hornets drafted Gorbet to pair up with Davis, they would have a long front court.
7-0 C Isaiah Austin: Austin is a true 7-footer with a rare combination of ball skills and great mobility. Offensively, he possesses a versatile skill set because he can make plays on the perimeter, has range on his jumper out to 19 feet, and can drive to the basket. He also demonstrates a jump hook with soft touch and good extension that few can challenge. Defensively, he is a presence in the paint, blocking shots and protecting the rim. Davis and Austin would make an interesting pair, seeing as they are both similar players.
6-11 PF/C Steven Adams: Adams is a physical specimen. He's an amazing rebounder, using his athletic prowess, incredible strength and strong hands. He has a soft touch around the basket and can run the floor very well. He uses his long arms and strength to bully opposing players, on offense or defense. Adams would be a great pair with Davis, because he could bring that physicality that Davis doesn't have.
If we could get one of these players, our front court would be set for years.