With the 2021 NBA playoffs in the books and the draft about to take place, it’s time to look back on the season that was and what lies ahead for the Charlotte Hornets.
Glance in the rearview
Charlotte’s season ended in cruel fashion, getting embarrassed on national TV by a depleted Pacers squad in the final game of their season. In a game which would have kept playoff hopes alive, Charlotte did not seem to have much fight in them…and that was seriously the worst game of the entire season. Despite finishing 10th in the East with a 33-39 record, Buzz City garnered a lot of attention, and deservedly so. This team was still playing .500 basketball in late April and was up to 4th in the Eastern Conference standings at one point. In the end, injuries piled up, momentum was lost, and once again the Hornets landed the 11th pick in the draft.
Air BnB
Two Hornets players deserve some extra love for their efforts this past season: Miles Bridges and LaMelo Ball. Miles had an under-the-radar stellar 3rd season, falling just shy of joining the elite 50/40/90 club. After shooting 33% from deep a year prior, he shot 40% on triples this season, a massive step forward in efficiency. 13 points and 6 rebounds a game with shooting percentages of 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 87% from the line (mostly off the bench) is a season worth celebrating. In addition to overall improvements to all facets of his game, Miles also solidified his position as best in-game dunker in the NBA. There is really no debate here, and if you think there is go watch his dunk highlights and then come back. Undoubtedly, a big factor in Miles having so many incredible dunks this year was the masterful passing of…
LaMelo Ball. You know, NBA Rookie of The Year LaMelo Ball. 16/6/6 along with a steal and a half per game is a stat line any NBA player should be proud of, which makes it more impressive that the guy turned in those numbers as a 19-year-old rookie. There’s a real chance that LaMelo would have had another assist per game had Bismack Biyombo not been the recipient of so many of his post passes (sorry Biz). The best thing about LaMelo is he’s one of those players that elevates the guys around him. There’s zero doubt in my mind that the Charlotte Hornets won the draft last year, and LaMelo is undoubtedly the future of Charlotte Hornets basketball. You know, there was another guy drafted 3rd overall that won ROY and he turned out to be decent. If LaMelo makes big strides in his second season, the future is incredibly bright in Charlotte. Now, about that future…
The Future
Charlotte has many decisions to make this offseason, like what to do about Malik Monk and Devonte Graham who are both restricted free agents. Charlotte currently has the 11th pick in the draft, so nailing that will be crucial. Also, it’s no secret that Charlotte needs (and has needed) a big who can consistently man the middle and contribute on both ends of the floor. The available options via the draft and free agency leave something to be desired as far as big men go. As one of the few teams in the NBA with salary cap space to sign free agents this summer, Charlotte could throw a big man a decently sized check to suit up in the teal and purple. Here’s what I’m looking for in the draft and free agency:
Draft- There are 3 ways I’d like to see the 11th pick used, to draft Moses Moody if available, to draft Josh Giddey if available, or if the Hornets are relocating Myles Turner to the Queen City and this pick is part of the deal. Drafting a project big is a dumb idea in my opinion, especially in the lottery. Charlotte also has two young bigs from last draft that should be making their way towards more court time in Vernon Carey Jr. and Nick Richards. If none of those are options, Keon Johnson may be available at 11, or there could be teams willing to make a deal for the pick. Perhaps Portland or Minnesota would be willing to exchange a player for some younger blood since they have no selections in this draft.
Free Agents- I do not want Charlotte to throw a bunch of money at Richaun Holmes. Paying him anything close to $20 million a year is a mistake in my eyes, mostly because any notion that he’s a rim protector is misguided. Holmes anchored a historically bad defense last year, and Charlotte needs rebounding and rim protection. I don’t foresee it happening, but I would much prefer Charlotte extend an offer to Jarrett Allen and see if he can be pried away from Cleveland. Charlotte will most likely throw an offer sheet at Allen and Cleveland will probably match it. Once that falls through, go for under the radar veteran guys and keep developing youngsters.
Daniel Theis should be in a Hornets uniform next season, he’ll be cheap, he’s a starting caliber guy that can do it all and reuniting the 2018 Boston Celtics has worked for us so far. If Bobby Portis wants a more consistent role, he could be the first big off the bench. Not super exciting signings, but improvement is improvement. I wouldn’t mind Cody Zeller resigning on the cheap either, but I think his time is up.
Speaking of time being up, the Malik Monk experiment in Charlotte probably should be over. If a team is willing to pay over $10 million a year for Monk’s services, we should let him walk. He’ll torch us for the rest of his career I’m sure, but the Monk/Charlotte marriage hasn’t worked yet, and counseling isn’t going to fix it.
Finally, I’d be shocked if Devonte Graham isn’t in a Hornets uniform next season, but his proven ability to be a consistent facilitator for a second unit or slide into a starting lineup will be attractive to certain teams. If Josh Giddey falls to us at 11, that would give us another facilitator on the roster, but if that doesn’t happen, I think Charlotte will hold on dearly to its homegrown 2nd rounder.
Final Thoughts
His name has come up frequently in this post, and here it is one more time. Josh Giddey really seems like Diet LaMelo in every way. His game, his stats, his path to the NBA. Tailoring the offense more to LaMelo’s game and drafting Giddey could make Charlotte even more dangerous, especially if it ever got to the point where both guards could share the floor, as they’re both around 6’ 8.
If any Charlotte player gets traded, Terry Rozier is the most likely candidate, in my mind. PJ Washington is most likely second.
This upcoming season has playoff expectations, players and the GM have already said it. James Borrego has one more season on his contract, and if the team falls short of the playoffs, expect him to fall short of getting another contract. All stats sourced from basketball-reference.com, thanks for reading.
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