2025 NBA Draft Scouting Report for Charlotte Hornets No. 29 Pick Liam McNeeley
The Charlotte Hornets have selected Liam McNeeley with the No. 29 pick in the 2025 NBA draft.
McNeeley racked up accolades in his one season at Connecticut, earning Big East Freshman of the Year, third-team All-Big East honors and a spot on the conference's All-Freshman Team.
He was also a McDonald's All-American and Jordan Brand Classic selection coming out of high school in 2024.
The 19-year-old showed a strong shooting touch despite modest percentages, making 1.7 threes per game and converting nearly 87 percent of his free throws. The mechanics and confidence suggest more reliable shotmaking ahead.
In ball-screen situations, McNeeley brings feel and patience, able to shoot the floater or use his frame to create angles.
Coaches will also value his leadership and competitiveness in a supporting role.
Of course, the forward struggled with pull-up jumpers, lacked burst and had a hard time creating separation. He also generated few defensive events, and opponents will likely test him on both ends early.
Still, his size, touch and basketball IQ make him easy to picture as a long-term role player.
If he settles into a Keegan Murray-type path, he could carve out a career without needing to create offense.
McNeeley ranks No. 19 on B/R NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman's 2025 Prospect Big Board.
Essential Facts and Stats
Previous Team: Connecticut | Position: SF/PF | Height: 6'7" | Weight: 215 lbs | Age: 19 | Vertical: 36½" | Wingspan: 6′8½" | PPG: 14.5 | RPG: 6 | APG: 2.3 | BPG: 0.2 | SPG: 0.6 | FG%: 38.1 | 3PT%: 31.7
Realistic Pro Comparison: Keegan Murray
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McNeeley can follow Sacramento Kings forward Keegan Murray's blueprint, providing shotmaking, floor-spacing and transition offense.
Both players are capable of doing all of that from either forward spot. Both can also operate as a secondary scorers with ball-screen skills and size.
Like Murray, McNeeley projects as a starting-caliber role player who probably won't be called on to create.
Strengths
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Shooting Potential: McNeeley didn't shoot a high percentage from the perimeter at Connecticut, but he did throughout high school and the eye test shows an obvious shotmaker. He shot nearly 87 percent from the free-throw line and averaged 1.7 threes per game.
Ball-screen play: He shows patience and control handling the ball in pick-and-roll situations. At his size, he's a tough cover for his ability to shoot the floater or use his body on drives.
Intangibles: McNeeley has always been known for being competitive and showing leadership. His team will admire his intangibles for a supporting role.
Weaknesses
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Pull-Up Jumpers: McNeeley shot just 5-of-33 on pull-up jump shots last year at UConn. Not great.
Weakness 2: He isn't shifty or explosive with the ball. It's difficult to see him creating looks for himself in the half court or getting to the line.
Weakness 3: With a total of 21 stocks (steals + blocks) all season, McNeeley created few events on defense. He lacks strength and burst, and opponents will surely target him inside and out early in his career.
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