The Charlotte Hornets made a strategic move on NBA Draft night by landing UConn’s Liam McNeeley with the 29th overall pick, originally owned by the Phoenix Suns.
In a noteworthy trade, the Hornets sent big man Mark Williams to Phoenix in exchange for the pick, bringing in a versatile shooter and high-IQ wing to bolster their roster.
Solo Ball Drops High Praise for Liam McNeeley
McNeeley, a 6-foot-7 forward, made a name for himself at UConn with his polished offensive skill set and all-around game. Now, he steps into a Hornets team that desperately needs shooting and wing depth. His former teammate, Solo Ball, believes Charlotte made the right call.
Shortly after the selection, Solo Ball took to Instagram to show his support. “Hornets getting a dawg!! Proud of you bro,” Ball posted. Such a comment, coming from someone who shared the court with McNeeley, carries real weight.
McNeeley declared for the NBA draft in April just after one season with UConn, which came somewhat as a surprise. But he explained, “It’s been a dream of mine to play in the NBA. I’ve been waiting a long time for this moment. I’m so thankful and grateful to have been a part of UConn, to have played for these coaches and alongside these teammates. We had so much fun, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.”
He also had high praise for coach Dan Hurley. “He is very intense and forced me to operate outside my comfort zone and get better as a player and person,” McNeeley had said.
In his first year, he made 38.1% of his shots and nearly 31.7% of threes. He shot an impressive 86.6% from the free-throw line. McNeeley averaged 6 rebounds per game. This shows he has a good sense of where the ball will go and is willing to work hard to get it.
McNeeley himself believes that he can space the floor. But something that might surpass all this is his mindset. “[I’m] someone who will do everything to win,” McNeeley said. This perfectly shows why Ball dropped such praise for him.
ESPN NBA Draft expert Jonathan Givony praised McNeeley as a ‘big wing with the skill level, feel for the game, and toughness to fill an important role.’
29. Charlotte Hornets – Liam McNeeley, F, UConn
Grade: B
McNeeley was a shooter who couldn’t shoot at UConn, but his high school track record as a shooter is highly encouraging.https://t.co/GdRMAoIaRN pic.twitter.com/H7Kcf5ddIw
— SB Nation (@SBNation) June 26, 2025
The Hornets entered the draft looking to address key needs, especially scoring and shooting on the wing. Last season, they ranked near the bottom in both three-point percentage and bench points. Adding McNeeley gives them a weapon who can space the floor and fit alongside LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.
Charlotte’s front office made it clear they wanted high-IQ, skilled players who can contribute right away. The McNeeley pick signals a commitment to building a smart, young core around their two young stars.
With this move, the Hornets didn’t just add a shooter. They added a player who understands the game, competes hard, and comes with a winning background. Liam McNeeley may have been the 29th pick, but Charlotte hopes he’ll play a much bigger role in the years to come.
