Image: Young basketball prospects at the NBA Draft Combine, as the Charlotte Hornets prepare for the 2025 draft.

The Charlotte Hornets are at a pivotal crossroads heading into the 2025 NBA Draft. After a challenging season, fans are eager to see how the franchise will leverage its top draft pick to revitalize the team. With a core built around LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, Miles Bridges, and Mark Williams, the upcoming selection is crucial for both immediate impact and long-term success. In this article, we'll break down the Hornets' draft position, roster needs, and the players they might target as they aim to return to playoff contention.

Where the Charlotte Hornets Stand in the 2025 NBA Draft

The Hornets finished the season with one of the league’s worst records, but this position offers a silver lining. Their struggles have secured them the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, a pivotal selection for a team that hasn't seen the postseason since 2016. This lottery slot gives the Charlotte Hornets a valuable opportunity to add a foundational player to their youthful, promising roster.

According to ESPN's post-lottery analysis, the Hornets are most likely to target a guard, given last season’s perimeter shooting woes. Experts mention players like VJ Edgecombe, Jeremiah Fears, Tre Johnson, and Ace Bailey as possible fits. With Ball and Miller spending limited time together on the court due to injuries, there’s a need for continuity and better shooting to maximize the existing core.

What the Hornets Need: Roster Evaluation and Strategic Focus

The Charlotte Hornets' roster combines talent and untapped potential, but they've struggled with chemistry and health. Last season, Ball, Miller, Bridges, and Williams were together on the court for just 3% of total possessions due to a revolving cast and persistent injuries. This instability contributed to their subpar win total and last-place ranking in effective field goal percentage.

Improving outside shooting and adding a consistent playmaker or scorer are the top priorities. As highlighted in Yahoo Sports' draft preview, strong guard prospects are available outside the consensus No. 1 pick, Duke’s Cooper Flagg. It's likely the Hornets will focus on selecting a guard with a proven shooting track record to complement their existing stars.

Key Players to Watch in the 2025 NBA Draft

With Dallas stunning the league to win the top pick (full lottery details at CNN), Charlotte will have to look beyond the highly touted Cooper Flagg. Fortunately, the 2025 class is deep. Guards like Tre Johnson from Texas, VJ Edgecombe from Baylor, and Ace Bailey from Rutgers are all considered among the best available. Each offers perimeter scoring, athleticism, and defensive upside—skills the Charlotte Hornets need to address their weaknesses from last season.

Draft night will also be an opportunity for the team’s front office to evaluate potential trades. With multiple teams holding cap space and assets, the Hornets' selection could attract interest if they seek to move down for more picks or established talent.

When and Where to Watch

The 2025 NBA Draft will take place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. The first round is scheduled for June 25, with coverage starting at 8 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN, followed by the second round on June 26. Fans should stay alert to the final weeks leading up to the draft as prospects complete workouts and pre-draft interviews, and teams finalize their picks.

Conclusion: A New Era on the Horizon?

The Charlotte Hornets' No. 4 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft represents an exciting chance to reshape their trajectory. By targeting perimeter shooting and improving team chemistry, Charlotte can build around its dynamic young core. Keep an eye on the latest updates as the draft approaches—this offseason could mark the beginning of a bright new era for Hornets basketball.

For more detailed draft analysis and expert insights, consult ESPN's full breakdown of the Hornets’ lottery outlook, Yahoo Sports’ draft board, and CNN’s lottery recap. Stay tuned for more Charlotte Hornets draft news and in-depth coverage.