Hornets add Duke's Sion James, Creighton's Ryan Kalkbrenner in NBA draft

Roderick Boone, The Charlotte Observer on Jun 26, 2025

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Armed with two picks on the second day of the NBA draft, the Charlotte Hornets felt positioned for success before things even tipped off.

“Fortunately, we are at the top of the second round, which I like both of those picks a lot,” Jeff Peterson, president of basketball operations, said early Thursday morning. “We can get a couple of really good players. Hopefully Boston and Minnesota don’t take anyone from us and we’ll be able to get a couple of more good players.”

Turned out the Celtics and Timberwolves each moved out of their spots and jumped ahead thanks to a deal with the Phoenix Suns and Orlando Magic, respectively, just prior to the draft tipping off. But the Hornets still believe they got solid value in selecting Duke’s Sion James at No. 33 and Creighton’s Ryan Kalkbrenner at No. 34.

The duo joins Duke’s Kon Knueppel, selected fourth overall in Wednesday’s first round, and No. 29 pick, Connecticut’s Liam McNeeley.

James, a 6-foot-6 guard averaged 8.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists in his lone season with the Blue Devils, connecting on 51.6% from the field and 41% beyond the 3-point arc. He earned ACC All-Defensive Team honors.

James transferred to Duke for the 2024-25 season after four years at Tulane, where he averaged over 34 minutes per game. In his last season with the Green Wave, James averaged 14 points per game.

With Mark Williams traded to Phoenix, the Hornets were in dire need of more size and someone to step into his slot and Kalkbrenner is going to get the opportunity.

At 7-1, 270 pounds the 23-year-old fits more in the traditional mold of centers. He’s coming off his super senior season and averaged 19.4 points, nine rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.4 assists per game.

The 2025 Naismith Defensive Player of the Year ranks second in Creighton history in points (2,443), rebounds (1,146), blocks (399) and field-goal percentage (.658). He finished second in the nation in made field goals, third in blocked shots, fourth in field-goal percentage and 19th in points this past season.

Early Thursday morning, Peterson suggested all four rookies would be sticking around.

“We definitely have the roster space,” he said. “I don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like. Some of it will depend on free agency. The good thing is we have the option to make both (picks) and keep them or maybe look around a little bit.”