2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land difference-maker, Victor Wembanyama heads East

4. Charlotte Hornets grab Amen Thompson

One of the two Thompson twins in this draft, Amen is the favorite to go fourth overall. The 6’7 guard averaged 16.3 points, 6.2 assists, 6.4 rebounds, and 2.4 steals in 28.2 minutes per game over 16 contests with Overtime Elite this season, according to Tankathon. There are plenty of questions about the competition and less about his game.

Thompson is an elite athlete with plus playmaking ability. The 20-year-old loves to push the ball up the floor, and he will increase the pace of any team that he lands on. The 6’7 guard will do it off rebounds or turnovers, and his speed and athletic ability shine in those transition opportunities.

Thompson has plus size and should be able to quickly hold his own on the defensive end of the floor. At 6’7, there should be opportunities to switch and his elite athletic ability should allow him to guard multiple positions.

Amen Thompson struggles to shoot the ball, and that slightly limits his ceiling. He is a below-average 3-point shooter that is poor from both the field and the free-throw line. Can he improve his jumper? There are serious questions about that.

The Charlotte Hornets should take the best player available at four, and that is Amen Thompson. Putting a second ball-handler next to LaMelo Ball that can get Charlotte out and running more should give them a dangerous offense and a brighter future.