The Charlotte Hornets have been successful in tanking this season, and they should continue to embrace their position at the bottom of the league. Their goal should be to trade out as many veterans as possible for long-term assets to develop alongside LaMelo Ball. The team needs to cast a wide net for hidden gems, with draft picks as a starting point.
The Hornets landed a superstar in Ball in the 2020 draft, but they lack building blocks beyond him. With P.J. Washington's upcoming restricted free agency, it makes sense to look for hidden gems. Buying low on young bigs James Wiseman or Mo Bamba could be a stroke of genius if either one can solve the franchise's longstanding issues at the center position.
The Hornets finished 29th in three-point accuracy this past season, and their center rotation was mainly composed of Mark Williams and Nick Richards. Thus, adding stretch everywhere else on the floor is doubly important. LaMelo Ball's long-range shooting ability proved that he can provide tons of volume from distance. However, his primary facilitator role would be made easier if defenses have to stay hugged up on dangerous shooters and can't pack the lane.
The team's need for shooting will intensify if P.J. Washington walks, and Miles Bridges' potential return to the team next year looms large. Among Charlotte's top 10 players in total three-point attempts, only Washington and Ball shot better than 32.5 percent from beyond the arc. Tim Hardaway Jr. from the Dallas Mavericks and Buddy Hield from the Indiana Pacers could be targets for the Hornets to acquire.
The Hornets have been quiet this season, and with LaMelo Ball injured, the offense has struggled. The team needs to be cautious about sacrificing too much talent, but they should also be selective in buying players that fit Ball's timeline. James Wiseman, drafted one spot ahead of Ball in 2020, could be a perfect fit for the Hornets. While Wiseman is currently rough around the edges, the Hornets can endure his growing pains in hopes he'll eventually maximize the impact of his size, athleticism, and flashes of high-level offensive skill.
No comments:
Post a Comment