Hornets Should Consider This ‘Salivating' Pick, Despite Injury History

The Charlotte Hornets are coming up on the 2026 NBA draft, and lucky for them and the rest of the franchises, it’s a rich one.

Now, the team is being linked to a player who has some injury issues but could also be a “salivating” selection.

In a mock unleashed on Wednesday, May 20, Isaac Trotter of CBS Sports lays out his picks after the Combine. “Beyond the measurements and testing, the conversations behind the scenes provide an illuminating look at where some of the top NBA Draft prospects are trending,” he states in the piece.

For the Hornets, he has them going with center Jayden Quaintance out of Kentucky.

More sports news: Bulls Linked to Surprise Draft Move Nobody Saw Coming

“Quaintance comes with serious injury baggage, but the idea of what he could become is salivating,” he states. “The 6-foot-9 big man owns a go-go gadget, 7-5 wingspan. He was one of the special defensive big men in college basketball as a 17-year-old freshman at Arizona State. It’s silly how many jumpers that Quaintance could not only contest but also just outright swat away. He just moves … differently.”

My Take: Jayden Quaintance is Worth the Risk

More sports news: LeBron James Needs to Come Back to the Lakers Next Season - Here's Why

Yes, Quaintance has “baggage” and injury history. But, what player doesn’t? There comes a point in any player’s career when they’ll have to bounce back from injury. What he offers outweighs the risk: a player who can help Charlotte’s frontcourt and offer something strong to pair with Ryan Kalkbrenner and Moussa Diabate.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 2:43 PM.