The Charlotte Hornets' draft history has been a roller coaster of missteps, missed opportunities, and hope that never quite panned out. From the early years of the franchise has often found themselves drafting players who either didn't fit their needs or simply couldn't reach their potential.
But after 16 years of draft mistakes, the 2020 NBA Re-draft reveals a significant shift—the Hornets finally picked the right player, and it wasn’t just a lucky break; it was a realization of what the franchise truly needed.
This isn’t about rewriting history, but rather understanding it. Through a hypothetical redraft, we’ll explore how a series of misjudged evaluations and front-office missteps sent the Hornets into a tailspin. It’s a look back at how talent slipped through the cracks, and how small-market franchises like Charlotte can’t afford to miss when the draft is their lifeline.
Andre Iguodala
May 9, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) drives to the basket against Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) during game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis Grizzlies beat Golden State Warriors 99-88. Mandatory Credit: Justin Ford-Imagn Images
© Justin Ford-Imagn Images
2004 NBA Re-draft
2. Andre Iguodala (Originally: 9th, 76ers)
New Team: Charlotte Bobcats
1× All-Star, 4× NBA Champion, 2015 Finals MVP
Elite defender, glue guy on dynastic Warriors teams.
Draft Context: The 2004 class had plenty of potential, but several picks like Rafael Araújo (No. 8) were colossal busts. The depth of the class shines in hindsight, with second-rounders and late first-rounders like Iguodala outperforming higher lottery picks.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Dwight Howard (Originally: 1st, Magic)
2005 NBA Re-draft
5. Danny Granger (Originally: 17th, Pacers)
New Team: Charlotte Bobcats
1× All-Star, 2009 Most Improved Player
One of the league’s top scorers before injuries derailed him.
Notable Busts: Marvin Williams (2nd overall) was solid but not worthy of a top pick, while Ike Diogu and Yaroslav Korolev failed to make an impact. To make things worse Charlotte picked behind New Orleans, who drafted home state star Chris Paul. Leaving the Bobcats to draft another home state guy Raymond Felton.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Chris Paul (Originally: 4th, New Orleans Hornets), Deron Williams (Originally: 3rd, Utah Jazz), Andrew Bynum (Originally: 10th, Lakers), David Lee (Originally: 30th, Knicks)
2006 NBA Re-draft
3. Paul Millsap (Originally: 47th, Jazz)
New Team: Charlotte Bobcats
4× All-Star, elite two-way big man
Evolved his game into an outside shooter and versatile defender.
Biggest Busts: Adam Morrison (Drafted by Charlotte) and Shelden Williams (5th overall) became infamous busts. The 2006 class, though rich with stars like Millsap, Kyle Lowry, and Rajon Rondo, also produced major disappointments.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Kyle Lowry (Originally: 24th, Grizzlies), LaMarcus Aldridge (Originally: 2nd, Bulls/Blazers)
2007 NBA Re-draft
8. Aaron Afflalo (Originally: 27th, Pistons)
New Team: Charlotte Bobcats
Elite 3-and-D wing at his peak. Averaged over 18 PPG in his best seasons.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Kevin Durant (Originally: 2nd, Seattle Supersonics), Marc Gasol (Originally: 48th, Lakers – rights traded to Grizzlies), Joakim Noah (Originally: 9th, Bulls), Al Horford (Originally: 3rd, Hawks), Mike Conley (Originally: 4th, Grizzlies), Thaddeus Young (Originally: 12th, 76ers), Jeff Green (Originally: 5th, Celtics – traded to Sonics)
Serge Ibaka
Jun 06, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder power forward Serge Ibaka (9) reacts after scoring against the San Antonio Spurs during game six of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Oklahoma City won 107-99. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
2008 NBA Re-draft
9. Serge Ibaka (Originally: 24th, Thunder)
New Team: Charlotte Bobcats
3× All-Defensive, 2× Blocks Leader, NBA Champion (2019)
One of the best shot-blockers of his era and a stretch big.
Context: The 2008 draft was stacked, producing MVPs and icons like Kevin Love, Russell Westbrook, and Serge Ibaka.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Russell Westbrook (Originally: 4th, Thunder), Kevin Love (Originally: 5th, Grizzlies/Timberwolves), Derrick Rose (Originally: 1st, Bulls), Brook Lopez (Originally: 10th, Nets), Goran Dragic (Originally: 45th, Spurs/Suns), DeAndre Jordan (Originally: 35th, Clippers), Danilo Gallinari (Originally: 6th, Knicks), Nicolas Batum (Originally: 25th, Rockets/Blazers)
2009 NBA Re-draft
12. Ricky Rubio (Originally: 5th, Timberwolves)
New Team: Charlotte Bobcats
Elite passer, team-first leader, international legend.
Charlotte drafted Gerald Henderson who some can see as a lateral move.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Jrue Holiday (Originally: 17th, Sixers), Ty Lawson (Originally: 18th, Timberwolves/Nuggets),Taj Gibson (Originally: 26th, Bulls), Patty Mills (Original Pick: 55, Trail Blazers), Wesley Matthews (Undrafted in many redrafts, but went undrafted in 2009)
2011 NBA Re-draft (Kemba Walker Draft)
9. Reggie Jackson (Originally: 24th, Thunder)
New Team: Charlotte Hornets
Strong playoff moments, spark-plug scorer, NBA champion with Denver.
Context: Despite being drafted at No. 9, Kemba Walker still deserves a spot, as he remains a key player for Charlotte, though Reggie Jackson has had a solid career as well.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Kawhi Leonard (Original Pick: 15, Pacers → Spurs), Klay Thompson (Original Pick: 11, Warriors), Jimmy Butler (Original Pick: 30, Bulls), Nikola Vucevic (Original Pick: 16, 76ers), Isaiah Thomas (Original Pick: 60, Kings), Tobias Harris (Original Pick: 19, Bobcats), Jonas Valanciunas (Original Pick: 5, Raptors)
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard
Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) dribbles the ball.
© Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
2012 NBA Re-draft
2. Damian Lillard (Originally: 6th, Trail Blazers)
New Team: Charlotte Bobcats
8× All-Star, 7× All-NBA, Top 75 Player
Elite scorer, clutch icon, and franchise cornerstone.
Context: The Bobcats should've grabbed Lillard instead of Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, who was taken 2nd overall.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Khris Middleton (Original Pick: 39, Pistons), Draymond Green (Original Pick: 35, Warriors), Bradley Beal (Original Pick: 3, Wizards), Andre Drummond (Original Pick: 9, Pistons), Jae Crowder (Original Pick: 34, Cavaliers), Harrison Barnes (Original Pick: 7, Warriors), Terrence Ross (Original Pick: 8, Raptors)
2013 NBA Re-draft
4. Victor Oladipo (Originally: 2nd, Magic)
New Team: Charlotte Bobcats
2× All-Star, All-Defensive
Explosive two-way guard, though injuries derailed his career.
Context: Oladipo could have filled the Hornets' backcourt void in a league that seemed to be transitioning to more guard play, Hornets drafted Cody Zeller going with the more traditional basketball route.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Giannis Antetokounmpo (Original Pick: 15, Bucks), Rudy Gobert (Original Pick: 27, Nuggets -> Jazz), CJ McCollum (Original Pick: 10, Blazers),
2014 NBA Re-draft
9. Jordan Clarkson (Originally: 46th, Lakers)
New Team: Charlotte Hornets
2021 Sixth Man of the Year, high-volume bench scorer.
Context: Clarkson, now a versatile scorer, would have helped Charlotte besides selecting Noah Vonleh, who didn’t pan out.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Nikola Jokic (Original: 41st, Nuggets), Zach LaVine (Original: 13th, Timberwolves), Jerami Grant (Original: 39th, 76ers)
2015 NBA Re-draft
8. Myles Turner (Originally: 11th, Pacers)
New Team: Charlotte Hornets
Elite rim protector and stretch big.
Context: Turner is exactly what Charlotte needed, while drafting Frank Kaminsky there were some apparent limitations in his game translating. Again Hornets seemed to go with a more "old school" traditional big instead of possibly getting a big of the future in Miles Turner.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Devin Booker (Original: 13th, Suns), Tyus Jones (Original: 24th, Cavaliers), Josh Richardson (Original: 40th, Heat), Terry Rozier (Original: 16th, Celtics)
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25).
Los Angeles Clippers guard Ben Simmons (25).
Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
2016 NBA Re-draft
20. Ben Simmons (Originally: 1st, 76ers)
New Team: Charlotte Hornets
Former All-Star, DPOY finalist.
Context: Even though Simmons’ career has been impacted by injuries, his peak was undeniably elite.
Biggest Fallers
Ben Simmons (1 → 20) — High ceiling, low availability and offense
Dragan Bender (4 → unranked) — Bust
Kris Dunn (5 → unranked) — Never developed offensively
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Pascal Siakam (Original: 27th, Raptors), Dejounte Murray (Original: 29th, Spurs), Malcolm Brogdon (Original: 36th, Bucks), Fred VanVleet (Undrafted), Caris LeVert (Original: 20th, Pacers via Nets), Ivica Zubac (Original: 32nd, Lakers), Dorian Finney-Smith (Undrafted),
2017 NBA Re-draft
11. Kyle Kuzma (Originally: 27th, Lakers)
New Team: Charlotte Hornets
Champion with the Lakers, now a high-volume scorer.
Context: Kuzma’s versatility makes him a better pick than Malik Monk, whom the Hornets selected.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Donovan Mitchell (Original: 13th, Jazz), Bam Adebayo (Original: 14th, Heat), Jarrett Allen (Original: 22nd, Nets), John Collins (Original: 19th, Hawks), OG Anunoby (Original: 23rd, Raptors), Derrick White (Original: 29th, Spurs)
2018 NBA Re-draft
9. Deandre Ayton (Originally: 1st, Suns)
New Team: Charlotte Hornets
Double-double machine, solid starter.
Context: Ayton’s defensive as well as post presence makes him a better option than Miles Bridges, whom the Hornets drafted.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Original: 11th, traded to Clippers), Mikal Bridges (Original: 10th, Suns), Jalen Brunson (Original: 33rd, Mavericks), Michael Porter Jr. (Original: 14th, Nuggets), Robert Williams III (Original: 27th, Celtics), Anfernee Simons (Original: 24th, Trail Blazers)
2019 NBA Re-draft
12. Luguentz Dort (Undrafted in 2019)
New Team: Charlotte Hornets
Elite defender with developing offensive tools.
Context: Dort’s emergence as an undrafted gem makes him a strong fit for Charlotte’s defensive needs in hindsight.
ACTUAL PICKS: (IN ASCENDING ORDER) Tyrese Maxey (Original: 21st, 76ers), Tyler Herro (Original: 13th, Heat), Jordan Poole (Original: 28th, Warriors), Keldon Johnson (Original: 29th, Spurs), Brandon Clarke (Original: 21st, Grizzlies), Kevin Porter Jr. (Original: 30th, Bucks → Cavaliers)
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball drives with the ball as Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet defends at Spectrum Center on Jan. 26, 2024.
Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball drives with the ball as Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet defends at Spectrum Center on Jan. 26, 2024.
Nell Redmond-Imagn Images
2020 NBA Re-draft (LaMelo Ball Draft)
3. LaMelo Ball (Original Pick: 3rd, Hornets)
New Team: Charlotte Hornets (Kept)
Vision, flair, and size at PG.
Context: Despite injury concerns, Ball has been everything Charlotte hoped for and more, making this one of the best draft picks in franchise history.
Conclusion:
After 16 years of drafting mistakes, near misses, and a slew of underperforming players, the Charlotte Hornets have finally picked the right player in the 2020 NBA Draft. LaMelo Ball now perfectly aligns with the team’s needs, proving that the franchise is finally on the path to long-term success.
For the first time in over a decade, the Hornets’ redraft history reflects how difficult the process of hitting on every single draft pick. But when you're able to get those transcending talents it's very important to make the moves over the next 5 years count.
Here's the list of each player from the redraft, along with their position:
Pick | Player Position | Originally Drafted | (Pick, Team) | Draft Year
2 Andre Iguodala SG/SF 9th, 76ers 2004
5 Danny Granger SF 17th, Pacers 2005
3 Paul Millsap PF 47th, Jazz 2006
8 Aaron Afflalo SG 27th, Pistons 2007
9 Serge Ibaka PF/C 24th, Thunder 2008
12 Ricky Rubio PG 5th, Timberwolves 2009
11 Ed Davis PF/C 13th, Raptors 2010
9 Reggie Jackson PG 24th, Thunder 2011
2 Damian Lillard PG 6th, Trail Blazers 2012
4 Victor Oladipo SG 2nd, Magic 2013
9 Jordan Clarkson SG 46th, Lakers 2014
8 Myles Turner C 11th, Pacers 2015
20 Ben Simmons PG/SF 1st, 76ers 2016
11 Kyle Kuzma SF/PF 27th, Lakers 2017
9 Deandre Ayton C 1st, Suns 2018
12 Luguentz Dort SG Undrafted 2019
3 LaMelo Ball PG 3rd, Hornets 2020