Charlotte Hornets NBA mock draft: latest predictions before 2026 playoffs

The NBA regular season is over, which means many teams are shifting their focus entirely to the 2026 NBA Draft.

With nearly half of the teams done with games for the season, their scouts and front office executives will soon determine which future pros they may add to their roster for next year. After an exciting March Madness tournament won by the Michigan Wolverines, several prospects showed exactly what they can offer in the league.

As many collegiate players announce their intention to declare early entry to the 2026 NBA Draft, we can start to develop a more clear picture of what this class may look like.

The 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, which will determine the order of picks one through fourteen, will be held May 10 in Chicago, followed immediately that week by the draft combine, also in Chicago.

Here's how USA TODAY currently projects the No. 14 pick will play out with Charlotte Hornets making the selection.

Our draft order is based on Tankathon.com and factors in trades, including swaps and protections.

Charlotte Hornets 2026 projected draft picks

• No. 14 and No. 17 (via PHX)

Charlotte Hornets 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 14 overall, Braylon Mullins, G, UConn

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Braylon Mullins, a five-star recruit and former McDonald's All-American, was a breakout star in the NCAA tournament after hitting one of the most improbable 3-pointers in March Madness history. Mullins continued to show a winning mentality, helping the Huskies earn a spot in the national championship game. The Big East All-Freshman wing shot 40.7 percent on 3-pointers during his first 18 games in the starting lineup. He is a useful off-ball threat, too, which gives him an immediately practical role at the next level.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Braylon Mullins player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Guard
• Current Team: UConn
• 12 points per game
• 3.5 rebounds per game
• 1.4 assists per game
• 43.5 field goal percentage
• 34.5 three-point field goal percentage

Charlotte Hornets 2026 NBA Draft prediction: Pick No. 17 overall, Jayden Quaintance, F, Kentucky

Kalbrosky's Analysis:

Jayden Quaintance recorded just one start during his sophomore campaign as he recovered from a torn ACL, meniscus and fractured knee. The big man is still one of the youngest players in this class, but he has shown flashes during his time at Arizona State and Kentucky. When healthy, he is arguably the most talented defender in this draft class and could help a team that desperately needs frontcourt help, like the Hornets. But health may cause some concern for evaluators.

See USA TODAY's full mock draft 10.0 here

Jayden Quaintance player profile

(all stats as of April 8)

• Position: Forward
• Current Team: Kentucky
• 5 points per game
• 5 rebounds per game
• 0.5 assists per game
• 57.1 field goal percentage
• 0.0 three-point field goal percentage