The 2029 Hornet draft picks:
PF
PJ Washington
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6'8"230 lbsKentucky
5POS RK
16OVR RK
NBA draft profile: PJ Washington
PJ Washington averaged 15.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore at Kentucky.
Pre-Draft Analysis
Strengths
- Not particularly tall at 6-8 in shoes, but has a chiseled frame, big hands, a 7-3 wingspan and an 8-11 standing reach that should allow him to see minutes as a small-ball center. Fairly quick off his feet and has solid explosiveness off two feet.
- Developed into a versatile offensive player in his sophomore season, converting 42% of his 3-point attempts and 55% of his 2s. Was utilized in a variety of ways at Kentucky -- both facing and with his back to the basket, playing as a pick-and-roll finisher and moving off the ball in open spaces. Creative finisher with good hands and touch.
- Can make an impact as a defender and rebounder thanks to his length and improved conditioning and activity level. Showed a lot of toughness by playing through injury in the NCAA tournament. Ticks quite a few boxes on both ends of the floor. Has a high floor.
SF
Cody Martin
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6'6"192 lbsNevada
15POS RK
66OVR RK
Pre-Draft Analysis
At the combine, Martin stood out by defending with toughness at 6-foot-6 with a 6-foot-10 wingspan, operating as a lead ball handler given his excellent vision and feel and finishing above the rim in space. He didn't make a 3 and remains limited in that area, but should a team feel comfortable it can work with his mechanics, he could most certainly carve out a role in the NBA.
Post-Draft Analysis
Charlotte took a flier on long-armed, 6-foot-6 wing Cody Martin, a versatile player who saw quite a few minutes at point guard for Nevada and impressed with his defense and toughness.
