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Five Centers that the Charlotte Hornets Should Target in Free Agency?

By Jerry Stephens

Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) applies pressure to Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) applies pressure to Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) during the first half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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1. Festus Ezeli

Festus Ezeli is set to be a restricted free agent after the season but the Golden State Warriors won’t likely be able to match a lucrative offer sheet from another team. The Charlotte Hornets could be the team to swoop in and steal this young big man from one of the best teams in the NBA. He has a lot of potential and wouldn’t cost as much as some other big name players.

Ezeli is only 23 years old and will be entering his fourth season in the league next year. He only averaged 7.0 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, and 1.1 blocks per game in limited minutes this season. He only played in 46 games to due a knee injury that required surgery in the middle of the year.

Festus has amazing athleticism that he combines with his natural ability to defend the paint and rebound. He is a defensive specialist that does not have a refined offensive game. He relies on putbacks and lobs on the offensive end. He may not be well-rounded yet but he offers up exactly what the Charlotte Hornets need.

He could be the defensive anchor that the Hornets need next season. They don’t need a big man that can score and dominate in the low post, they are looking for an athletic player who can rebound and defend. That is exactly what Ezeli bring to the table.

Next: Ranking the Hornets' Free Agents

This might be the best option on the list because Charlotte will get him for cheaper than the other two players listed behind him because there is still so much unknown about Festus going forward. It is hard to tell how good he might be in the future when he plays on a team with so many good players around him.

Note: Andre Drummond is not on the list because he is a restricted free agent and the Detroit Pistons will match any offer sheet that he signs.

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