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Charlotte Hornets’ 5 Perfect 1st-Round Fits in 2015 NBA Draft

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Charlotte Hornets' 5 Perfect 1st-Round Fits in 2015 NBA Draft

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After a disappointing season that saw them miss out on the NBA playoffs, the Charlotte Hornets enter the 2015 NBA Draft looking to upgrade at several positions. Standing at pick No. 9, the Hornets will have to see how a number of picks play out before making a decision on who they should select. With plenty of options available for them, here are the five best fits for the Hornets in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft.

5. Sam Dekker - Small Forward

Sam Dekker
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5. Sam Dekker - Small Forward

Sam Dekker
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Last offseason, the Hornets made a run at restricted free agent Gordon Hayward - signing him to an offer sheet - but lost him after the Jazz matched their offer. Comparable to Hayward, Sam Dekker increased his stock drastically during Wisconsin's run to the national championship game as he showed off his talents at both ends of the floor. He may not be a star in the league, but Dekker could be the type of role player the Hornets drastically need.

4. Devin Booker - Shooting Guard

Devin Booker
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4. Devin Booker - Shooting Guard

Devin Booker
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Last season, the Hornets ranked dead last in the NBA in team three-point field-goal percentage as they shot 31.8 percent from the perimeter. In this year's draft class, there are not many quality outside shooters, with an exception being Devin Booker. While he may be considered a reach by some at No. 9, Booker would fill a need for the Hornets at the shooting guard position, especially after the signing of Lance Stephenson did not pan out.

3. Mario Hezonja - Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Utah Jazz v Charlotte Bobcats
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3. Mario Hezonja - Shooting Guard/Small Forward

Utah Jazz v Charlotte Bobcats
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Like Devin Booker, Mario Hezonja could fill a need for the Hornets at the shooting guard position. Although he is not as efficient as Booker from the perimeter, Hezonja is still viewed as one of the best shooters in this year's draft class. Unlike Booker, however, Hezonja has the ability to immediately come into the NBA and score in a number of ways - something that the Hornets could sure use.

2. Kristaps Porzingis - Power Forward

Utah Jazz v Charlotte Bobcats
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2. Kristaps Porzingis - Power Forward

Utah Jazz v Charlotte Bobcats
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The past two years, the Hornets have used their first-round pick on a power forward. However, although Cody Zeller did show signs of improvement last season, he along with Noah Vonleh do not look like long-term solutions for the Hornets. At 7-feet tall, Porzingis may be the solution as he possesses many appealing attributes, including his outstanding shooting - which would make for a nice compliment alongside Al Jefferson.

1. Willie Cauley-Stein - Center

Willie Cauley-Stein
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1. Willie Cauley-Stein - Center

Willie Cauley-Stein
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It is hard to imagine that he will still be on the board when it is their time to pick, but should Willie Cauley-Stein still be on the board at pick No. 9, he would be a great fit for the Hornets. Although he is not yet proficient on the offensive end, Cauley-Stein does possess all of the tools to be a defensive anchor for the Hornets - including a 7-foot-2 wingspan.

Greg Sacidor is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter
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