Charlotte Hornets Secure No. 4 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft: What It Means for the Future
Kevin Tolbert, ADSN- May 13
- 4 min read
By Kevin Tolbert | May 13, 2025
The 2025 NBA Draft Lottery brought big news for the Charlotte Hornets, who landed the No. 4 overall pick in this year’s draft. The lottery event, held in Chicago on Monday night, marks a pivotal moment for a Hornets franchise aiming to build a brighter future. While Charlotte entered the lottery with a 12% chance of receiving the fourth pick, the result sets the stage for a crucial offseason that could shape the team for years to come.
But the No. 4 pick isn’t the Hornets' only draft asset. Charlotte also owns the 33rd and 34th overall selections in the second round, giving them three total picks in the top 35. This level of draft capital places them in a strong position compared to most teams—only the Brooklyn Nets, with four picks in the top 35, have more.
With the NBA Draft scheduled for June 25 and 26, excitement is already building among fans, analysts, and team executives. Here's what you need to know about the Hornets' lottery result, what it could mean for the franchise, and how fans can get involved in the upcoming season.
A Franchise First in Over a Decade
This marks the second time in franchise history that the Hornets will pick fourth overall. The last time was back in 2013, when Charlotte selected Cody Zeller, a skilled big man out of Indiana University. Zeller went on to have a solid career with the Hornets, becoming a reliable part of the team’s rotation during his tenure.
Now, over a decade later, Charlotte finds itself in a similar position—with a top-five pick in a draft class brimming with talent and uncertainty. The 2025 NBA Draft is widely considered to be deep with potential, especially in the top 10, where players with All-Star upside are projected to fall.
The Significance of a Top-Four Pick
Historically, top-four picks have a higher chance of yielding franchise-altering players. Whether it's a scoring wing, a defensive anchor, or a floor general, a pick this high gives Charlotte the opportunity to land a potential cornerstone to pair with rising talents like Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball.
It also puts pressure on the front office. With three selections in the top 35, including a coveted lottery slot, the Hornets have the kind of flexibility that can be used to either:
Select multiple young prospects and focus on long-term development, or
Trade one or more of the picks to acquire proven NBA talent.
Full Draft Timeline: Key Dates and Details
The 2025 NBA Draft will be split across two nights for the second consecutive year:
Round 1:📅 June 25, 2025🏟️ Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY🕗 8:00 PM ET on ESPN and ABC
Round 2:📅 June 26, 2025🕗 8:00 PM ET on ESPN2
This format allows fans and teams alike to better focus on the importance of second-round selections, which have increasingly produced high-value players in recent years.
Draft Picks Overview: Hornets’ 2025 Draft Capital
Here's a breakdown of the Hornets' picks in the 2025 NBA Draft:
No. 4 overall (First Round)
No. 33 overall (Second Round)
No. 34 overall (Second Round)
Having three picks in the top 35 gives Charlotte a rare opportunity to address multiple roster needs or build depth with high-upside prospects.
Potential Team Needs
As it stands, the Hornets could use reinforcements in several areas:
Interior defense and rebounding
Shot creation off the bench
Three-point shooting
Veteran leadership (if trading picks)
Depending on how the board falls, expect Charlotte to target players who complement their existing core while also offering high ceilings for development.
Hornets Front Office Outlook: A Crucial Decision Ahead
The 2025 offseason will be a defining one for the Hornets’ front office. With new management installed over the last few seasons and a young core that’s shown flashes of promise, this draft offers a key opportunity to accelerate the rebuild.
General Manager Jeff Peterson and Head Coach Charles Lee have made clear their intention to build around LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. Whether that means selecting a complementary third star or accumulating assets for a bigger trade remains to be seen.
Trade Possibilities
It’s worth noting that mid-first-round or early second-round picks can also become trade chips. Don’t be surprised if:
The Hornets package picks 33 and 34 to move up
Charlotte uses one pick to absorb a veteran contract in a salary dump
The No. 4 pick becomes part of a larger trade discussion if a star player becomes available
Fan Engagement: How to Get Involved This Offseason
For Hornets fans eager to be part of this exciting time, there are multiple ways to engage with the team ahead of the draft and 2025-26 season.
Hive Society Memberships Now Available
Fans can now purchase Hive Society Memberships for the 2025-26 NBA season. These memberships offer exclusive benefits, including:
Access to member-only events
Discounts at the Hornets Fan Shop and Spectrum Center concessions
Personalized account management
First access to team news and draft pick gear
📞 To join, call 704.HORNETS or visit hornets.com.
Be First in Line for Draft Pick Merch
Want to be the first to rep the Hornets’ newest player? Fans can register online to receive alerts when the jersey of the team’s first-round draft pick becomes available for purchase.
Final Thoughts: A Defining Moment for the Franchise
The Charlotte Hornets are at a crossroads—armed with high-value draft picks, a promising young core, and an enthusiastic fan base. The No. 4 overall pick is more than just a number on draft night; it’s a chance to reshape the franchise’s future. Whether they draft a game-changing prospect or make a bold trade, the Hornets have options—and that’s exactly what every rebuilding team wants.
Stay tuned as we count down to June 25. The clock is ticking, and the Hornets are officially on the board.
📣 Stay Connected
Twitter/X: @hornets
Instagram: @hornets
Website: hornets.com
🔔 Sign up for email updates to get the latest Hornets draft news, player profiles, and offseason announcements delivered straight to your inbox.
#AllFly | #HornetsDraft | #BuzzCity | #ADSN
Comments