As the NBA Draft approaches, the Charlotte Hornets are setting their sights on bolstering their roster with promising young talent. According to sources, their second-round target is Alex Toohey, a versatile forward known for his defensive tenacity and scoring ability. This strategic pick could address key gaps in the Hornets’ lineup, signaling the team’s commitment to building depth and competitiveness for the upcoming season. Sports Illustrated breaks down why Toohey is emerging as a compelling choice for Charlotte’s draft plans.
Charlotte Hornets Eye Alex Toohey as Ideal Second Round Pick
The Charlotte Hornets are turning their attention to Alex Toohey as a promising candidate for their second-round pick in the upcoming NBA Draft. Known for his versatile skill set and strong defensive instincts, Toohey fits the mold of the modern wing player the Hornets desperately need to complement their core. Scouts praise his ability to stretch the floor, with a reliable three-point shot and an impressive wingspan that allows him to contest shots effectively on the perimeter.
- Height: 6’7″
- Position: Small Forward
- College Stats: 14.2 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 2.3 APG
- Strengths: Shooting, perimeter defense, basketball IQ
Charlotte’s front office sees Toohey as a high-upside player who can develop into a reliable contributor off the bench before potentially carving out a starting role. His work ethic and ability to absorb coaching feedback make him an attractive prospect for a franchise looking to build depth and versatility in its roster. Below is a quick comparison between Toohey and recent second-round picks with similar profiles, highlighting why the Hornets might see him as a valuable late draft asset:
| Player | Draft Year | 3P% | Defensive Rating | Current Role |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alex Toohey | 2024 (Projected) | 38.7% | 101 | Rotation Wing |
| Jalen Green | 2022 | 37.5% | 103 | Bench Scorer |
| Marcus Howard | 2023 | 40.1% | 102 | Defensive Specialist |
Detailed Analysis of Toohey’s Skill Set and NBA Potential
Alex Toohey brings a highly versatile skill set that aligns well with the evolving needs of the modern NBA. Standing at 6’5″ with a solid wingspan, Toohey exhibits an impressive ability to switch defensively across multiple positions. His lateral quickness and anticipation allow him to disrupt passing lanes and generate turnovers, a trait the Hornets’ defense desperately needs to supplement their perimeter pressure. Offensively, Toohey’s ball-handling is notably advanced for a wing player, enabling him to create his own shot and facilitate for teammates in pick-and-roll scenarios. His three-point shooting has improved significantly, showing a 38% mark from deep in his last college season, making him a credible stretch option to space the floor.
- Defensive versatility: Can guard guards through small forwards
- Playmaking ability: Above-average vision and passing for his role
- Shooting efficiency: Improved three-point accuracy and work in catch-and-shoot situations
- Physicality: Uses strength effectively in iso situations and rebounding
| Skill | College Stats | NBA Projection |
|---|---|---|
| 3PT Shooting | 38% | 35-38% (Role Player) |
| Assists per game | 4.1 | 3-4 (Secondary Playmaker) |
| Steals per game | 1.8 | 1.2-1.5 (Defensive Impact) |
| Rebounds per game | 5.0 | 3-5 (Wing Boards) |
His potential to carve out a significant role on the Hornets lies in his balanced blend of offense and defense, paired with a high basketball IQ. While he’s not projected as a franchise cornerstone, Toohey’s steady progression and adaptability project him as a reliable two-way contributor off the bench. Charlotte’s young core would benefit From his versatility and unselfish play style, particularly in high-leverage situations where his defensive agility and playmaking can change the dynamic of a game.
In summary, Alex Toohey offers the Hornets:
- Defensive flexibility to guard multiple positions, enhancing team defensive schemes.
- Capable ball-handling and vision, allowing him to facilitate secondary playmaking duties effectively.
- Improved three-point shooting, which increases floor spacing and offensive options.
- Physicality and strength that support his rebounding and post-up capabilities.
His projected role as a bench contributor with two-way impact makes him a valuable developmental piece for Charlotte as they seek depth and versatility on their roster.
Strategic Recommendations for Integrating Toohey into Hornets’ Roster
Integrating Alex Toohey into the Hornets’ roster offers a prime opportunity to enhance backcourt versatility while maintaining perimeter shooting threats. Emphasizing his ability to space the floor, the coaching staff should consider deploying Toohey in a 6th man role, providing instant offense off the bench. His advanced three-point shooting and off-ball movement can relieve the pressure on primary scorers like LaMelo Ball, allowing Hornets’ playmakers to operate with more freedom and reduced defensive attention. Additionally, prioritizing his development in pick-and-roll scenarios will optimize his effectiveness, given his agility and court vision.
Defensively, Toohey’s integration requires dedicated focus on positioning and communication to bolster the Hornets’ perimeter defense, an area often criticized in recent seasons. Strategically, pairing Toohey with versatile wings in small-ball lineups can create matchup nightmares for opponents, blending speed and shooting. Below is a breakdown of situational lineup deployments that maximize Toohey’s strengths:
| Lineup Type | Role for Toohey | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Bench Unit | Primary scorer and shooter | Instant offensive spark |
| Small-ball | Perimeter defender & spot-up shooter | Creates spacing and defensive agility |
| End-of-Game Situations | Clutch shooter & ball mover | Reliable offense under pressure |
- Offensive Focus: Leverage catch-and-shoot ability through off-ball screens.
- Defensive Development: Integrate into Hornets’ switching schemes to enhance perimeter resilience.
- Mentorship: Pair with veteran guards to accelerate NBA adjustment.
The Conclusion
As the Charlotte Hornets prepare for the second round of the NBA Draft, Alex Toohey emerges as a compelling target whose skill set and work ethic align with the team’s evolving vision. While not a guaranteed pick, Toohey’s potential upside and versatility make him a name to watch as the Hornets look to bolster their roster depth. With the draft fast approaching, analysts and fans alike will be eager to see if Charlotte makes a move to secure this promising talent.
