Despite starting the college season late due to his ACL recovery, Kentucky big man Jayden Quaintance recently made his debut. In that game, Quaintance demonstrated why he is one of the most exciting big men in the 2026 NBA Draft. His combination of athleticism, defensive potential, and sheer production as an 18-year-old sophomore makes him a prospect that NBA teams will consider drafting in the lottery. Let’s dive into the best fits for Jayden Quaintance among teams currently projected to be in the 2026 NBA Draft lottery.
Best Fits For Kentucky’s Jayden Quaintance Among Lottery Teams
Charlotte Hornets
Out of all the teams in the lottery, the Charlotte Hornets would benefit from Quaintance the most. As it stands currently, Charlotte has a bottom-five defense in the league, and they need to add to their frontcourt depth. That’s where Quaintance fits into the picture, as he can bolster Charlotte’s defense from the center position while also showing potential offensively. With his combination of size, length, and skill, Quaintance can provide elite defensive production for the Hornets. For Charlotte, his ability to generate steals and blocks as a defensive playmaker will only help the Hornets and their frenetic offense. Specifically, he can help them get into transition more often while also being a transition threat himself. Should LaMelo Ball remain on the roster, Quaintance would be an ideal partner at center. He can cover up his defensive shortcomings while also being a great roll target.
For Quaintance, the fit between the Hornets and himself is ideal. They have plenty of floor-spacers like Kon Knueppel and Liam McNeeley who can help keep the paint open for him. Not only that, but they also have the creators who can set him up with easy buckets like Ball, Knueppel, and Brandon Miller. Overall, Quaintance will go a long way towards patching up the defensive issues that have plagued Charlotte. Furthermore, He has a clear fit with the roster, and his defense only bolsters their offense.
Atlanta Hawks (via New Orleans Pelicans)
A team like the Atlanta Hawks would be an excellent fit for Quaintance and what he brings as a player. On Atlanta’s end, Quaintance’s defensive abilities as a shot-blocker and overall disruptor fit perfectly with their personnel. For weaker defenders like Trae Young, should he remain on the roster, Quaintance is certainly capable of cleaning up his mistakes. Furthermore, Quaintance’s rim running skills are perfect next to Young, giving him another vertical spacer. Plus, his overall defensive playmaking will make their transition attack all the stronger.
As for Quaintance’s end, the Hawks have the personnel who fit around him. They have a number of strong defenders in both the frontcourt and backcourt. With guys like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, and Onyeka Okongwu, Quaintance will have teammates who can share the defensive burden. On offense, players like Young and Jalen Johnson have the shot-creation and playmaking skills to find Quaintance easy looks. Furthermore, they have floor spacers like Alexander-Walker and Zaccharie Risacher. Quaintance would be a great fit in Atlanta for the long haul, whether or not Young is on the roster.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are a team in the lottery that has a massive hole at center in their roster. Unquestionably, Nikola Vucevic isn’t a factor for Chicago’s long-term goals. With that in mind, Quaintance would be a tremendous fit for them. He gives them a true defensive centerpiece who can be their center of the future. Not only would Quaintance give the Bulls the defense they need at center, but also more athleticism at that position as well. Quaintance himself will benefit from the fast-paced offense that the Bulls play. Not only that, but he will get to play with a high-caliber playmaker in Josh Giddey. The Bulls would get a great long-term piece at center if they got the chance to draft Quaintance.
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