Swarm and Sting
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Ranking the Charlotte Hornets’ Free Agents This Season

By Jerry Stephens

Mar 21, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) gets a congratulations from guard forward Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) after scoring in the closing seconds of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) gets a congratulations from guard forward Nicolas Batum (5) and guard Kemba Walker (15) after scoring in the closing seconds of the game against the San Antonio Spurs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Hornets win 91-88. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) dibbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 20, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) dibbles the ball against the Miami Heat during the first quarter in game two of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Nicolas Batum

Nicolas Batum is easily the Charlotte Hornets most important player heading into free agency. He was arguably their best player this season. He was second on the team in scoring and first on the team in assists per game. He did almost everything for Charlotte.

Nic averaged a career high 14.9 points per game, 5.8 assists per game, and 6.1 rebounds per game. He also shot 42.6% from the field and 34.8% from three. He did miss 12 games this season and dealt with some injuries throughout the season.

Batum was acquired in a trade before the season started and he was given a lot of control over the Hornets’ on the offensive side of the floor. He took full advantage and had the best season of his career. He said that he liked the “freedom” that coach Clifford gave him this past year.

There will be a lot of team calling Batum and he will likely command a max or near a max contract this off-season. My guess is that the Charlotte Hornets will be willing to offer him a max contact during the summer. They want him to be their star along with Kemba Walker going forward.

Next: Lin to Opt Out, Would Love to Return

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