New Orleans Hornets NBA Draft 2012: Hornets' Early Mock Draft

While David Stern sits at home and tells himself he did the right thing in screwing the Los Angeles Lakers" target="_self">Los Angeles Lakers out of Chris Paul, the New Orleans Hornets are left wondering how to salvage such a horrific season.

While the season can't be saved, the future can be strengthened. With two first-round draft picks, the Hornets could go a long way towards rebuilding an even stronger contender than when they had Chris Paul.

In order to do so, the Hornets must approach the draft with caution and certainty. The following draft picks outline the perfect way for the Hornets to do so.

First Round, Pick No. 3: Harrison Barnes, Small Forward, North Carolina

We can debate his ceiling if you'd like, but there's no debating how safe of a pick this is.

At worst, Barnes is a consistent starter whose leadership qualities lift the players around him to a higher level of play. At best, Barnes is a superstar who is killer in the clutch and leads the Hornets to an eventual NBA championship.

Barnes is as close as they come to the complete package. He's an elite defender, a dominant scorer and when the game is on the line, he's as clutch as they come.

While Michael Kidd-Gilchrist possesses greater athletic ability, Barnes is one of the most polished players I've ever seen coming out after their sophomore year in college.

Season Averages: 17.2 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.1 apg, 1.1 spg

First Round, Pick No. 14 (via Minnesota): John Henson, Forward, North Carolina

While everyone would love to see the Hornets secure their point guard of their future, the opportunity to reunite elite-level Tar Heels is one they cannot pass up.

Henson has been phenomenal in his three years at UNC, improving significantly as each year passed. In 2012, he has learned to utilize his size in rebounding and shot-blocking. He has also developed into one of the best low-post defenders in the nation, making him an attractive option for a team looking to piece it all together.

While Henson isn't the best on offense, he is efficient in the sense that he doesn't turn the ball over or take bad shots. Instead, Henson has posted greater than 13 points per contest on 51 percent shooting.

What's most important about Henson, however, isn't his play; it's his character. This is the type of guy who could do for the city what the Saints' Drew Brees has.

Season Averages: 13.8 ppg, 10.1 rpg, 2.9 bpg