Hornets rumors: Could Charlotte reunite Michigan champions in NBA Draft?

After a season that exceeded expectations, the Charlotte Hornets looked to set their sights on an NCAA champion. The Hornets have the 14th pick in the NBA Draft, which, per ClutchPoints senior NBA reporter Brett Siegel, could be used to bolster their frontcourt depth by drafting Michigan big man Morez Johnson Jr.

Siegel reports that Johnson has seen a surge of momentum that could see him drafted high in this month’s NBA Draft.

“There is a real chance Morez Johnson Jr. and Mara go before Lendeborg in this draft, as there is significant momentum regarding Johnson right now, so much so that multiple sources who spoke with ClutchPoints are calling him a lottery lock,” Siegel reported in his latest Mock Draft.

Siegel also explores the possibility of the Hornets moving up to draft fellow NCAA Champion Yaxel Lendeborg.

“Perhaps Charlotte explores ways to not only add Johnson in this spot but also utilize the 18th pick to move up a few spots and draft his Michigan teammate. Pairing these two together once more on a rising team in the East would give the Hornets exactly what they’ve been lacking in forward depth and reliable secondary play.”

Johnson was a valuable member for the Michigan Wolverines. In his two seasons with the team, particularly in the 2025-2026 season, they won the 2026 NCAA championship over UConn. In his freshman season, he averaged 7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game over 30 games.

He stepped up in the 2025-2026 season, averaging 13.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, 1.1 blocks, and 0.7 steals per game on 62.3% field-goal shooting in 40 games. Michigan cruised to the National Championship game with Johnson as an active crasher of the boards. While also putting up points in the National Championship vs. UConn, he finished the game with 12 points, 10 rebounds, two blocks, and one steal.

If selected by the Charlotte Hornets, he would join a team led by head coach Charles Lee that defied expectations and turned their season around. After a rough start to their campaign, perhaps Johnson could be another addition to their emerging core that can help them emerge as a playoff contender.

The post Hornets rumors: Could Charlotte reunite Michigan champions in NBA Draft? appeared first on ClutchPoints.