Charlotte Hornets: Five players the team should avoid in free agency

A lot will be riding on the Charlotte Hornets during free agency this summer to get it right. However, they must avoid falling into the trap of overpaying some of the players that will be available.

Every year during free agency teams target big name players and are often disappointed with the results. This year a number of players will end up being overpaid to underperform. This could be a pivotal offseason for the Charlotte Hornets to make some big decisions and upgrade the roster. While trying to find the best deals on the market there are some players that they should stay away from.

5. Chris Paul

Players returning to their old stomping grounds to play for their home team has been a trend around the league lately. While the thought of having Chris Paul in a Hornets uniform would be a sight to see this wouldn’t be a good fit. Kemba Walker would more of an opportunity to play off the ball as Paul is more of a floor general.

The problem with them both would be trying have them defend bigger guards which would be a nightmare for them both. Recently turning 32 years old, Chris Paul will likely be looking for a win-now situation as time is ticking. Expect this to be a move that is highly doubtful to happen.

4. Paul Millsap

The true definition of a player who overachieved in the NBA. Despite having another all-star the Hornets should avoid paying big money for Millsap. His ability to stretch the floor and help create space would be an upgrade, but he’s not a cornerstone piece. Turning 32 years old during the season you can expect Millsap to seek at least one more big pay day.

He’s still a productive player, but at his age, it’s only a matter of time before his level of play starts to decline. With the young core the Hornets have, they need a veteran to help the team but they should not overpay the undersized forward. On the season Millsap averaged 18 points 7.7 rebounds along with 3.7 assists per game. While the numbers may say pay him the Hornets should just say no.

3. Rudy Gay

Arguably one of the more talented players in this year’s free agency class this will be a tough decision to make as Gay is coming off an achilles injury. Coming off a major injury that Gay is coming back from it will be tough to predict what player he will be once he steps on the court. The versatile wing player averaged 18.7 points per game along with 6.3 rebounds per game via Basketball-Reference.com before getting injured.

Gay will be 31 at the start of the next NBA season. Despite the contributions, he could make the Hornets need to add a player that they can be sure will produce. If healthy he could be a key player, but for now, the Hornets should pass until they see that he is back to playing at a high level.

2. Jeff Green

Many people have tried to acquire Green in the past only to be disappointed. The talented small forward can be one of the more frustrating players in the NBA. He has the potential to be one of the better players in the NBA, but he will always leave you wanting more. At this point in his career don’t expect Green has pretty much maxed out his potential. On the season he averaged 9.2 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game with the

On the season he averaged 9.2 points per game and 3.1 rebounds per game with the Orlando Magic. There is no doubt that he will be on another NBA roster next season, but at what price? Green is yet another inconsistent player that the Hornets should not depend on if they want to get back into playoff contention.

1. Blake Griffin

One of the most exciting players to watch in the NBA because of his high-flying dunks. Blake Griffin will have a plethora of teams he will be able to choose from in free agency. According to Glenn Burkins of Q City Metro Kemba Walker believes Griffin would be a good fit for the Hornets.

While the thought of it sounds good this deal just screams no to me. While Griffin had another solid season averaging 21.6 points 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game he still was hit by the injury bug once again. Over the past three years, Griffin has failed to play in at least 70 games per season.

Next: Five Playoff Players Charlotte Should Target

The talent is there but the question is how long will he be available. At age 28, I believe he can still be a very good player, but just not worth a max contract. Long term Griffin is not the cornerstone of a franchise that you want to build around. If the Hornets were to commit long term to Griffin it would be a very questionable move and one they will have to live with for a long time.

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Five players the Charlotte Hornets should avoid in free agency

By Carlos Smith | May 11, 2017