2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks go defense, Pistons surprise at 5

27. Charlotte Hornets (via Nuggets) grab Maxwell Lewis

The Hornets have LaMelo Ball and the second overall pick as building blocks moving forward. No matter if they got Scoot Henderson or Brandon Miller, Charlotte could look at adding wing depth here. If they believe in Mark Williams as their starting center of the future, the Hornets should want 3-and-D wings to round out their rotation.

Lewis had a breakout sophomore season at Pepperdine where he averaged 17.1 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks in 31.4 minutes per game as he shot 46.8 percent from the field, 34.8 percent on his 3-point tries, and 78.7 percent from the foul line. The 20-year-old measured at 6’6 with a seven-foot wingspan at the combine.

His offensive game is ahead of his defense at this stage. Lewis has the size and tools to be a 3-and-D wing in the NBA with some secondary playmaking ability, but he will need to make significant improvements on the defensive end. He is likely to guard more threes and fours than guards as he struggles to stay in front of quicker players.

Could the Charlotte Hornets walk away from the 2023 NBA Draft with two talented wings to improve their depth and versatility? Expect Maxwell Lewis to be taken in the late first or early second round, and he could fit in Charlotte.