2021 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: How the picks should fall

2021 NBA Mock Draft — 11. Franz Wagner, Charlotte Hornets

This is tremendous value for Charlotte, a team on the verge of playoff contention in the East. In reality, Charlotte should be itching for Kai Jones to fall into their lap. Pairing his open-court athleticism with LaMelo Ball is a dream scenario. Given that Jones is too good to fall in this writer’s opinion, Franz Wagner is a good conciliation prize.

Wagner is one of the more versatile, well-rounded wings in this year’s draft. He can spot-up from deep, attack closeouts, move the ball proficiently, and fit into a variety of different roles. Charlotte could use him as a small-ball four in conjunction with P.J. Washington and Gordon Hayward, or use him as a more traditional wing. He and Miles Bridges would unlock a myriad of options with the reserve unit.

In addition to his offense, Wagner is an accomplished defender who can slide all over the floor. He’s a good athlete, light on his feet, and with a roughly 7-foot wingspan, he should provide another disruptive force in Charlotte’s versatile group.