Everyone expected the Charlotte Hornets to lean into drafting a center after they traded Mark Williams for the 29th pick in this draft (that became Liam McNeeley) and a future first. Sion James marked the third non-center drafted by the Hornets, which had fans in a tizzy about the plan for the team. The front office eventually landed a center with the next pick, which eased a lot of concerns. It also meant that the selection of James has been somewhat overlooked relative to his draftmates.
James was brought into be a defensive dawg and an offensive connector.