Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets should try to trade for Butler if they win the lottery
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The San Antonio Spurs were able to take a 3-2 lead in their second round series after defeating the Houston Rockets in overtime. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at what the Charlotte Hornets should do if they win the lottery, forecasting draft prospect Jarrett Allen and how Cody Zeller‘s absence proves his importance.
Hornets Should Try to Trade for Butler if They Win the Lottery (BleacherReport.com)
"Prying Butler from the Bulls figures to be an issue. The Hornets don’t have a ton of other desirable assets in addition to this hypothetical No. 1 pick. They can offer a 2019 first-rounder and filler. Or maybe Chicago bites on some mix of Williams, Frank Kaminsky and Jeremy Lamb."
On the off-chance that Charlotte wins the lottery, I think hey should actually keep the pick and select Markelle Fultz. Trading for Jimmy Butler sounds good in theory but realistically, a team composed of Kemba Walker and Butler isn’t going to compete with LeBron. It would be an immediate fix to get back into the playoffs but long-term success should be the end game for the Hornets and selecting the 18-year old guard would give them a player for the future to build around.
Rather than trading for an established star in Butler, they should take a chance on Fultz being a superstar down the road. It isn’t a knock on Jimmy because he would be great alongside Kemba but the Hornets could use a talented prospect like Markelle. Getting the top overall pick isn’t likely, especially with Charlotte’s bad luck in the lottery.
Forecasting Jarrett Allen (QueenCityHoops.com)
"I expect Allen to rise on draft boards as June 22 approaches. He should do well in team workouts, as most should see his ability to stretch the floor on the offensive end eventually, be a legit rim-protector and carry defensive versatility with his developing ability to switch across numerous positions."
Charlotte could use a defensive anchor type like Allen on their roster. Their current big men (Cody Zeller and Miles Plumlee) are more finesse and while they have their strengths, rim protection isn’t one of them. Rich Cho has already expressed the team’s interest in adding a shot blocker this summer and Jarrett could be perfect for that role.
By adding the 6’11 center, the Hornets would create a bit of a logjam in their rotation. Zeller is the clear starter but they would want to give Allen ample minutes to develop his game. That may be tough considering they are also paying Plumlee $12.5 million. If they were to select Jarrett, Steve Clifford better have a plan in place.
Zeller’s Absence Proved His Importance (AtTheHive.com)
"His role continues to grow in coach Steve Clifford’s offense. He’s also proven how important he is to the team’s success, and he can clearly play with a lot of different big men, whether it’s Marvin Williams or Frank Kaminsky."
Next: Hornets can't afford to miss in 2017 Draft
Going 3-17 without Cody in the lineup this year, it was clear that the little things he does are important to the team’s success. Even if he doesn’t put up 20-10 on a nightly basis, the 24-year old makes winning plays by screening in pick and rolls, boxing out and defending. We will see if that winning trend with him in the lineup continues next season as Zeller will look to remain healthy.