Mock Draft 3.0 – Predicting how the dominoes fall, with view to fit, shifts, and OKC Thunder best bet

Mitch Kupchak gets to make his impact here at 12 with the added pressure of knowing he needs it be a big swing just to entice free agent Kemba Walker. Although the ever loyal Walker has stated his priorities like with the Hornets there are numerous mazes to navigate this offseason for Charlotte. One of those will be trying to retain Walker while not paying the full asking price.

One way to possible sweeten that pot will be to land a talent Walker deems to have a high ceiling. While I’ not sure if Rui Hachimura is the ideal pick here there is clearly no denying his special gifts or potentially unlimited ceiling.

The Japanese born Hachimura boasts an impressive toolbox of offensive gifts and intangibles too numerous to count. He could turn out to be a big risk, but alternatively, if the opposite side of that equation rings true and those gifts end up delivering big rewards it will be a moot point in hindsight.

Also of note, the Hornets like a myriad of clubs are rumored to be attempting to trade up and also like many counterparts are saddled with salary restrictions.