Once the initial shock wore off and the mega conference room inside McCormick Place started emptying out following the NBA Draft Lottery, Jeff Peterson gave his thoughts on what the Charlotte Hornets can expect.
“I think it’s top-heavy but I also think just like most drafts there’s going to be players all the way through spread out,” the Hornets’ president of basketball operations said in Chicago. “So, I’m excited that we will have three total picks in this draft — a couple of second-round picks.
“So, I have the utmost faith in our scouting team and analytic team that we will be able to land multiple Hornets that will be able to impact the franchise.”
Most of the public focus will center on who they pluck off the board at No. 4, though, especially given the franchise’s rough history with lottery picks until recently with the additions of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
To better understand the value of that particular slot in the NBA’s annual event, The Observer looked at the talent taken with the fourth overall selection during the past 10 drafts:
2024
San Antonio Spurs: Stephon Castle, G, Connecticut
Career stats: Averaged 14.1 points, 4.1 assists, 3.7 rebounds in 81 games during rookie season
It’s not hard to see why he was named the Kia Rookie of the Year, leading all rookies in points per game. He totaled the most points (1,190), made free throws (249) and steals (74) among first-year NBA players, also ranking fourth in assists and sixth in steals per game.
2023
Houston Rockets: Amen Thompson, G/F, Overtime Elite
Career stats: Averaging 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists in 131 games over two seasons
Named to the NBA’s all-rookie second team during his first season when he averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals, he’s already become a key piece for the up-and-coming Rockets under coach Ime Udoka. He bypassed college along with his twin brother Ausar and played two seasons with Overtime Elite before becoming draft eligible.
2022
Sacramento Kings: Keegan Murray, G, Iowa
Career stats: Averaging 13.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 233 games over three seasons
Following a strong start during his initial season — when he earned all-rookie first team honors, set an NBA 3-point rookie record, and got named to the NBA’s Rising Stars team and made the All-Rookie First Team — and a solid second year, he struggled a bit in 2025-26. His 3-point has tailed off, dipping to 34.3% this past season, and his usage rate puts him in the 19th percentile league-wide.
2021
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes, F, Florida State
Career stats: Averaging 17.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 5.0 assists in 276 games over four seasons
Dubbed an injury replacement by NBA commissioner Adam Silver for the 2024 All-Star game, he’s quickly blossoming into one of the most versatile threats in the league. He’s posted five triple-doubles and 53 double-doubles in his career, scoring 20 or more points in 69 games and 30-plus on eight occasions.
2020
Chicago Bulls: Patrick Williams, F, Florida State
Career stats: Averaging 9.6 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 276 games over five seasons
After starring at West Charlotte High School and playing one season at Florida State, he headed to the Windy City to be a part of the Bulls’ young core. Chicago gave the 23-year-old a five-year, $90 million contract extension last summer and executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas recently said he’d like to see a leap from Williams next season.
2019
Los Angeles Lakers: De’Aaron Hunter, F, Virginia
Career stats: Averaging 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 327 games over six seasons
Originally selected by the Lakers, he’s already been traded a couple of times, including going to New Orleans as part of the Anthony Davis trade. Atlanta then acquired him in exchange for Jaxson Hayes, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Marcos Louzad and a conditional 2020 first-round pick. Cleveland picked him at the trade deadline in February for Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, three second-round picks and two pick swaps.
2018
Memphis Grizzlies: Jaren Jackson Jr., PF/C, Michigan State
Career stats: Averaging 18.5 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 407 games over seven seasons
In earning the 2022-23 NBA Defensive Player of the Year award, becoming the second-youngest player to garner the honor, he’s proven he’s developed into a solid two-way option for the Grizzlies. Entering last season, he registered double figures in 264 games, posted at least 20 points in 129 outings, recorded 21 games with 30 or more points and five games with at least 40 points, and notched multiple blocks in a game on 205 occasions.
2017
Phoenix Suns: Josh Jackson, SG/SF, Kansas
Career stats: Averaged 11.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 291 games over five seasons
He was last seen in the league in 2021-22, when he appeared in 12 games for Sacramento. He didn’t log more than two seasons for any team, giving fodder to those slapping him with the bust label.
2016
Phoenix Suns: Dragan Bender, PF/C, Maccabi Tel Aviv
Career stats: Averaged 5.4 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 276 games over four seasons
Played for four teams and hasn’t been in the league since 2020, following a nine-game stint with Golden State. Considered one of the biggest busts of the past decade.
2015
New York Knicks: Kristaps Porzingis, PF/C, Latvia
Career stats: Averaging 19.6 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 501 games over nine seasons
Injuries have been his main issue, constantly derailing his ability to showcase his skills as one of the more versatile big men in the game. He’s suited up for four teams, including Charlotte’s Southeast Division foe the Washington Wizards, and appears to have settled in with his current employer in Boston.
Bottom line
There’s an eye-catching range of players, displaying the sometimes crap-shoot nature of the NBA Draft. While there are several solid contributors on this list, the bust potential is also real.
If the Hornets’ decision makers don’t get it right, as evidenced by the Phoenix Suns’ selections of Josh Jackson and Dragan Bender in consecutive seasons, the mistake could have ramifications for years.