Charlotte Hornets weigh options for No. 4 pick in June 2025 NBA Draft. Will Jeff Peterson pick Ace Bailey or VJ Edgecombe to build with LaMelo Ball? Big roster moves ahead.
StatPro NBA Beat Reporter
Buzz City is holding its breath, folks! As of Friday, June 6, 2025, the Charlotte Hornets' front office is deep in deliberation over a decision that could define the franchise's trajectory for years to come: what to do with the No. 4 overall pick in the fast-approaching June 25 NBA Draft. This isn't just about adding another young talent; it's about finding a game-changer who can accelerate the rebuild around LaMelo Ball.
The pressure is on President of Basketball Operations Jeff Peterson to make a transformative move with the No. 4 pick, one that could reshape the franchise's future.
The Hornets find themselves in a fascinating spot with the fourth pick. Do they swing for the fences on a high-upside scorer, or prioritize a defensive stalwart to align with new coach Charles Lee's philosophy? Names like Ace Bailey and VJ Edgecombe are swirling in draft circles, each bringing a different flavor to the table. There's even chatter about potentially packaging assets to trade up, possibly targeting a player perceived as more 'NBA-ready.' This decision is the first major domino in Jeff Peterson's grand plan.
While the draft pick is key, the existing roster is also set for a shake-up. Good news first: reports suggest LaMelo Ball is firmly in the team's long-term plans, viewed as the cornerstone to build around despite persistent trade rumors. However, the same can't be said for Miles Bridges, who is increasingly looking like a trade candidate. Financial realities and the desire to acquire more draft capital and depth, much like the P.J. Washington trade earlier, signal Peterson isn't afraid to make tough calls to reshape this team.
After a tough 2024-25 season that saw the Hornets finish 19-63 (not 19-61 as some outlets reported) and cycle through nearly 50 different starting lineups due to rampant injuries, stability and experience are high on the offseason shopping list. The team desperately needs veteran leadership, particularly a seasoned point guard to mentor LaMelo and provide a steady hand when he's off the floor. Mark Williams showed promise, averaging a double-double (15 points, 10 rebounds, 60% FG) when healthy, and both Ball and Brandon Miller showcased their long-range prowess, each attempting over 10 threes per game. However, the lack of consistent point-of-attack defense and overall depth were glaring issues that must be addressed if a playoff push is even a remote possibility next season.
In a wild piece of speculation that had the Hornets' Twittersphere buzzing, a rumor surfaced about a potential blockbuster involving Anthony Davis coming to Charlotte from the Dallas Mavericks. While this seems highly improbable, it does underscore the aggressive mindset the front office might be adopting. Exploring all avenues, even the most audacious ones, could be part of the strategy to inject elite talent and accelerate the rebuild. Don't hold your breath on AD in teal and purple, but it's fun to dream, right?
The next few weeks are pivotal for the Charlotte Hornets. The June 25th NBA Draft, headlined by that crucial No. 4 pick, will set the tone for an offseason where smart trades and targeted free-agent signings are essential. All eyes are on Jeff Peterson to see if he can architect a roster that not only supports LaMelo Ball but can finally bring playoff basketball back to the Queen City.
