Once viewed as a top contender for a high pick in the NBA Draft, Nate Ament’s recent struggles have caused him to tumble down draft boards. This unexpected slide might present an opportunity for the Charlotte Hornets, who are projected to select Ament with the seventh pick in the upcoming draft, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Woo.
Woo highlights that Ament’s performance this season has been disappointing, as he currently holds a true shooting percentage of only 52.9% and is shooting below 29% from beyond the arc. These statistics raise concerns about his potential readiness for the NBA. Furthermore, Ament’s athleticism, a key factor in his initial appeal as a draft prospect, has come into question.
Despite these setbacks, Woo suggests that Ament’s size at 6-foot-10 and his perimeter skills make him difficult to overlook. Many within the league believe he won’t fall completely out of the lottery due to the scarcity of players with his physical attributes and the potential upside he brings as a stretch-four. However, Woo cautions that any team choosing Ament should be prepared for a development period that could take several years.
The Hornets are no strangers to taking chances on young talent, as seen in their selection of Tidjane Salaun in the 2024 draft. Woo notes that with promising performances from their 2025 draft class, particularly from Kon Knueppel, Ament could potentially fit into the team’s long-term vision as they aim for playoff contention.
Ament’s size and skill set could be a much-needed addition to the Hornets’ power forward position, especially considering the team’s current lack of depth and size in that area. While losing Miles Bridges would mean giving up some offensive production, if Ament can develop into the player many hope he can be, he could enhance the Hornets’ overall performance.
In summary, while Ament’s journey in the draft may be rocky, the potential upside could make him an intriguing prospect for the Hornets as they look to build a promising future.