If the Hornets don't land the No.1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft after such an abysmal season, fans will understandably be disappointed. With that being said, Charlotte can still find a way to make significant improvements to their team on Draft Day even without the top pick.

NIL is keeping more college stars on campus, so second-round picks may lose value. And there's a high riser at No. 3.

Despite the NCAA Tournament heartbreak, Flagg is still expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2025 NBA Draft. The 6-foot-9 forward from Maine proved why he is the projected top pick, averaging 19.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 4.2 assists, taking home the National Player of the Year.