Top 3 Players to target: Charlotte Hornets 9th pick and 24th pick

Thursday night is the 2014 NBA Draft on ESPN.  The Charlotte Hornets (and I'm still thinking there the Bobcats), have the 9th pick and the 24th pick.  I have a top 3 list with the 9th pick and a top 3 with the 24th pick, of players the Hornets should target.




Top 3 Players to target with the 9th pick:

1. Julius Randle-  It's possible that Randle could still be on the board with the 9th pick.  I think putting Randle next to Al Jefferson would be a steal for the Hornets.  Randle could stretch the defense with his mid-range shooting.  Randle can also provide rebounding on the glass.  I don't know if Randle would be here with the 9th pick, but I believe it's possible. That is why Randle is my first choice.
2. Aaron Gordon-  A high energy athletic power forward would be incredible for the Hornets to have with the 9th pick.  Gordon provides high energy and athleticism.  If Randle is off the board then I believe you take Gordon.  Gordon and Al Jefferson would be an incredible PF-C combination. 
3. Doug McDermott-  Will McDermott score like he did in college?  If McDermott can score like that then the Hornets should select McDermott.  McDermott would give the Hornets a shooter who can space the floor, and knock down the three point shot.  The only thing that bugs me about McDermott is his defense.  Could McDermott be a 6th man, or even a decent starter?  If the Hornets ran their offense through Al Jefferson, and teams were to double Big Al, McDermott could be open for some shots.  I don't believe you take McDermott unless Randel and Gordon are off the board.

Top 3 Players to target with the 24th pick

1. Shabazz Napier-  Yes it's possible  that Napier could be gone before this pick.  If Napier isn't gone though, I believe you select him.  Napier another U-Conn point guard who could be a solid to amazing backup for Hornets point guard Kemba Walker.  Kemba Walker also plays at U-Conn.   Napier would be incredible coming off the bench.  If the Hornets decided to trade Kemba later, I believe Napier could be a starter.
2. Jermani Grant-  I'm high on Grant defense and athleticism.  Grant could come off the bench or maybe even be in the lineup the same time as Michael Kidd Gilchrist, to throw some defense at Lebron James, Carmelo Anthony or Kevin Durant.  Having two players to defend the best small forward who be an idea to try.  What do you think?
3. James Young-  A shooting guard who could add more depth to the Charlotte Hornets bench.  Young could become a great 6th man like Jamal Crawford.  With Young being able to score in a variety of ways, it would add some scoring punch off the bench.  Teams can always use some scoring off the bench, or to come into the game and start. I believe Young could do that.

What are your thoughts on my choices with the 9th and the 24th pick?  Who would you draft with the 9th pick and the 24th pick? Send me your thoughts on this.  Thank you for reading Pro Basketball Hoops Land this NBA Season. I appreciate everyone who reads this blog. If you love this blog alot I encourage you to tell your friends about it. I will probably take off around July and August to work on this blog, and my other blogs.  I'm ready for the 2014 Draft and even for the 2014-2015 season.  I will make my predictions after free agency and before the season.