Hornets scouts must be regretting missing out on Warriors' savior in 2024 draft

Much of the conversation surrounding the Charlotte Hornets' 2024 draft decision has centered on Tidjane Salaun and how the young Frenchman has become a harsh lesson for the team. To be fair to Salaun, he has played according to the Hornets' front office's expectations.

But his struggles in his rookie season have partly caused some people to forget that the Hornets also had another draft pick last year. At the No. 42 slot, they selected KJ Simpson, who had an uneven first year in the league. Rarely have players chosen late in the draft, like Simpson, turned out to be franchise saviors.

However, the prospect chosen 10 picks after the former University of Colorado Boulder point guard was picked up has been a godsend for the Golden State Warriors.

Quinten Post didn't project to be a high-quality rotation player

There wasn't much fanfare surrounding the Warriors' second-round selection of Quinten Post, who spent his first two collegiate years with Mississippi State University before playing for three seasons for Boston College. Even the Dubs didn't know what they had in the big man, trading him to the Portland Trail Blazers in a four-team draft-day deal before reacquiring him.

In his first few months in the professional ranks, Post played more in the G League than in the NBA before finally cracking Steve Kerr's rotation. His numbers ended up not standing out much, but his ability to crash the boards and spread the floor has proven valuable for Golden State.

Most folks would attribute the marquee franchise's resurgence this season to new star Jimmy Butler, but Post also deserves credit for giving the squad a reliable piece at the center and power forward positions. The Dutch hoopster is also a key reason it has a 3-1 lead over the Houston Rockets in the first round of the playoffs. Thrust into the starting lineup after the Warriors' Game 2 loss, he hauled in 12 rebounds in Game 3 before pouring in 13 points off the bench in the fourth meeting.

Of course, it's difficult to assume that Post would have developed into the same player he is now had the Hornets landed him last year, especially since he would have been at the bottom of the depth chart. In addition, he doesn't fit their timeline despite being a rookie because he turned 25 last March.

However, if Charlotte had been able to draft and develop him, it could have had a big man who would complement LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller well on offense and with the poise of a veteran. At worst, he could have supplied the organization with a high-value trade asset.

The good news is that Simpson has displayed the potential to be a solid playmaker, shot-creator, and defender. Still, the Hornets' scouting department should take some notes on what the Warriors did right in last year's draft.