Charlotte Hornets Select Liam McNeeley in the 2025 NBA Draft

The Charlotte Hornets have added UConn wing Liam McNeeley with the 29th overall pick in the upcoming NBA Draft, marking their second first-round selection, following the pick of Con Canipple at No. 4.

During discussions, analysts highlighted that McNeeley’s skill set exceeds that of a typical shooter like Sam Hauser, especially noting his ability to score off the bounce and improve shooting consistency. Despite a lower shooting percentage of 32% during his college season, experts noted that this figure might not fully reflect his potential, considering the system he played in at UConn and the inconsistent guard play around him.

UConn’s guard rotation was not as strong as in previous years, with key players like Tristan Newton and others unable to deliver optimal gameplay. This impacted McNeeley’s shot selection and efficiency. Furthermore, his reliance on team creation for scoring means he benefits significantly from good guard play, which he lacked in college. His role was primarily as a spot-up shooter who moves well without the ball, but without a reliable distributor, his shot opportunities suffered.

Although his shooting percentage was below the ideal 35%, McNeeley’s skill set—particularly his off-ball movement and shooting ability—gives hope that he can develop further. The analysts emphasized the importance of consistent shooting, pointing out that while McNeeley’s 32% was below the typical threshold for a shooter, his potential remains promising with improved team context.

An example was given of another player, Jace Richardson, who scored 41% from three and was considered a shooter, illustrating that effective shooting often correlates with better team systems and guard play. McNeeley’s selection reflects the Hornets’ belief in his potential to adapt and grow into a more efficient scorer at the professional level.