The Charlotte Hornets appear poised to capitalize on a draft-day slide that could deliver elite wing prospect Ace Bailey right into their hands at the No. 4 pick. Once considered a lock for the top three selections, Bailey’s stock has slipped just enough after NBA Combine measurements revealed his height, which was lower than what Rutgers had listed.
Despite this measurement discrepancy, his combination of scoring prowess, defensive versatility and athletic testing numbers have him projected as a potential franchise cornerstone for a Hornets team that has lottery pick No. 4.
Perfect Match for Charlotte’s Rising Core
CSN’s latest mock draft reveals a surprising slide for Rutgers standout Bailey, potentially landing him with the Hornets at the fourth pick. Charlotte’s rebuilding project has assembled promising pieces but desperately needs a dynamic forward to connect LaMelo Ball’s elite playmaking with their developing frontcourt.
“Previously seen as a lock to be the No. 3 pick” notes CSN’s Bjorn Bergstrom, “Bailey’s height at the NBA Combine (6’7.5″) was far from the 6’10” that Rutgers had him listed as.” This revelation shocked many scouts but Charlotte should remain undeterred. Despite this, Bailey’s 8’11” standing reach and 7’0.5″ wingspan still provide the length needed to impact games at both forward positions.
Bergstrom continues “Though the film is the most important thing, his height is seen as something that could lower his ceiling and open up the possibility of Edgecombe passing him.”
Bergstrom explains “The Hornets capitalize on that here, as they’ll look to fit Bailey into their young core of point guard LaMelo Ball, forward Brandon Miller, and center Mark Williams”. This quartet would give Charlotte four players with star potential, all 23 or younger.
In transition, Bailey’s athleticism perfectly complements Ball’s passing brilliance. His 1.23 points per possession in the open court would energize Charlotte’s attack, while his 34.6% three-point shooting forces defenders to stay attached to him on the perimeter, creating wider driving lanes for Miller and preventing defenders doubling Williams in the post, potentially elevating the Hornets’ 26th-ranked offense.
Bailey’s scored 17.6 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game against rugged Big Ten competition, showcasing his ability to contribute beyond scoring.
While Bergstrom notes Bailey “averaged 17.6 points but was largely inefficient” and that “Charlotte doesn’t necessarily project as an organization that will lead to improvement in that area” there’s reason for optimism.
Bailey’s shot quality at Rutgers was compromised by being the primary focus of opposing defenses. In Charlotte, playing alongside established scoring threats like Ball and Miller, he should find cleaner shots and improved efficiency.
For the Hornets, Bailey represents more than just raw potential, he fills specific roster gaps that have plagued the team. His shot creation ability would provide Charlotte with another scorer who can generate offense when plays break down.
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Bailey’s combine numbers reinforce why the Hornets should be eager to select him if available at No. 4. His 10.97 seconds lane agility time, 2.78 seconds shuttle run and 34.5-inch max vertical leap demonstrate the athletic foundation that could make him a two-way force. These metrics supported by excellent shooting drills where he hit 21-of-30 off dribble attempts and 12-of-25 three pointers, showcase the complete package Charlotte needs.
While other prospects like VJ Edgecombe, Kon Knueppel and Tre Johnson remain in the mix for the Hornets’ selection, Bailey’s unique combination of size, skill and upside might prove too appealing to pass up.
If the draft unfolds as projected, Charlotte could be celebrating a significant victory on draft night without having to move up from their current position.
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