Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: Low-Risk, High-Reward options in free agency

By Jerry Stephens

Dec 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) defends during the first Half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) dribbles the ball as Brooklyn Nets guard Jeremy Lin (7) defends during the first Half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 28, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson (10) handles the ball covered by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) at the Spectrum Center. The Kings won 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson (10) handles the ball covered by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) at the Spectrum Center. The Kings won 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

Much like Jeremy Lin and to a lesser extent Roy Hibbert, the Charlotte Hornets have made a living in the past few years taking chances on Low-risk, high-reward free agents to help bolster their team.

Players looking to bounce back after down seasons can usually be had for cheaper than usual on one or two years deals as they look to resurrect their careers. There is no doubt that Rich Cho and Michael Jordan will be searching the market for another one of these players this year especially considering the Charlotte Hornets‘ limited financial resources.

Being over the salary cap this summer, Charlotte only has an MLE (Mid-Level Exception) and a  BAE (Bi-Annual Exception) to spend on free agents. The Hornets two biggest needs are to add a backup point guard and wing depth. It will be tough to do so but here are a few Low-risk, high-reward options for the team to take a look at:

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Ty Lawson

The NBA has been a rollercoaster for Lawson. There was a time when he was on the verge of potentially being an All-Star in the Western Conference. In 2015, it all went downhill after being traded to from the Denver Nuggets to the Houston Rockets. Despite a down year, Ty bounced back a bit with the Sacramento Kings.

In 69 games this past season, the 29-year old averaged 9.9 points per game and 4.8 assists per game in 69 appearances. Now he is hitting the open market and will likely be fielding offers from multiple teams. He could be an MLE option for Charlotte to backup Kemba Walker.

Lawson might not even cost the entire MLE for the Hornets. They are in dire need of a backup point guard and all things considered, Ty isn’t the worst option out there. He would provide scoring and playmaking off of the bench but he does have his downfalls on the defensive end.

Even though he comes with a bit of baggage, former University of North Carolina guard might be looking for a return to the state.