Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets plan to target sixth big and third point guard in free agency

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Al Jefferson #7 of the Indiana Pacers looks to pass around Johnny O'Bryant III #8 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 06: Al Jefferson #7 of the Indiana Pacers looks to pass around Johnny O'Bryant III #8 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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With their remaining cap space and roster spots, it looks like the Charlotte Hornets will only make a couple minor additions this summer.

In a recent interview, Charlotte Hornets‘ general manager Rich Cho spoke about the team’s plans for free agency going forward this offseason. When asked about what they are targeting, he said that “we just need a sixth big and possibly a third point guard.” Cho added that they are “almost done” in terms of free agency moves.

By the sound of things, it looks like Michael Carter-Williams was the team’s big splash move this summer. Despite still having some cap space, the Hornets will likely look to avoid getting close to the luxury tax and only sign a couple players on minimum contracts.

Looking at Charlotte’s roster, they have three point guard under contract with Kemba Walker, MCW and Briante Weber. Saying that they may add a third point guard may not bode well for Weber. He had hopes of potentially battling for the backup point guard spot but it now looks like the third point guard role may not be his. The team has until August 1st to decide on his contract for next season.

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The Hornets’ big men include Dwight Howard, Cody Zeller, Marvin Williams, Frank Kaminsky and Johnny O’Bryant. By the sound of things, JOB’s spot with the team looks to be all but secured for next year as he marks their fifth big. Cho says that they are looking to add one more to their front court group and that will probably be an emergency backup player.

If the team chooses to sign second-round pick Dwayne Bacon, that will give them 14 players (including Treveon Graham, Weber and O’Bryant who all have partial guarantees). The regular season max is 15 players and Charlotte usually only carries 14 keeping one spot open for possible trades or signings.

Here is the video of Rich Cho speaking to the NBATV broadcast crew at the Orlando Summer League:

With the way their roster sits, the sixth big and third point guard will only be bench players who will be used in emergency situations. There are quite a few options in free agency for Charlotte with multiple veterans and undrafted rookies looking to land a roster spot.

Next: MCW is the Hornets' latest reclamation project

While the Hornets may end up keeping Weber as their third point guard, it looks like they will search the market for someone to at least give Briante some competition during training camp. Although, he hasn’t been overly impressive during summer league which could ultimately lead to the decision of Charlotte going in another direction. It is clear that at least two more additions are likely to be made this offseason.