A Royal Pain
Fansided

2017 NBA First Round Mock Draft 2.0

By Tyler Watts

Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2017; Memphis, TN, USA;Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) drives between UCLA Bruins forward TJ Leaf (22) and guard Lonzo Ball (2) in the first half during the semifinals of the South Regional of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /
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March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots a free throw against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the second half in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
March 16, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs forward Zach Collins (32) shoots a free throw against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits during the second half in the first round of the NCAA tournament at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Charlotte Hornets- Zach Collins- PF- Gonzaga

I was surprised the Charlotte Hornets were this bad last season.  Their roster has a plethora of talent on long-term contracts.  Their starting five of Kemba Walker, Nic Batum, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams, and Cody Zeller are all locked up through 2018-2019.  Charlotte is more looking to add pieces than a superstar or starter.

The Hornets could use an upgrade at the reserve point guard spot to replace Ramon Sessions, and they are light on fours.  Frank Kaminsky is best used as a stretch five, and Miles Plumlee is not a four.  That leaves the Hornets with going small or playing Christian Wood behind Marvin Williams.  Those are the two positions Charlotte will be looking to fill this offseason.

Why Zach Collins?

Zach Collins is a very intriguing young prospect.  Collins fills a rebounding void for the Hornets.  Charlotte ranked 20th rebounding percentage last regular season.  He also profiles as a solid NBA defender and good shot blocker that will boost Charlotte’s middle of the pack defense.

The problem with Collins is his questionable floor spacing ability and his raw tools.  The former Gonzaga star is going to need some polish on both ends of the floor and will be facing an adjustment period in the NBA.  His three-point shooting is a big question mark as well.  Collins shot 47.6% from three last season but took just 21 attempts.  It will be interesting to see if he opens up his three-point attempts in the NBA.

I like the fit with Zach Collins and the Hornets.  He will provide them with another versatile big to mix and match in their rotations.  Collins should also fill some holes in Charlotte’s game, and he could be a piece that leads them back to the playoffs.

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